Influenza activity, which appears to have peaked in early January, continues to decline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For the week ending Jan. 28, the number of flu hospitalizations nationally declined from the previous week, according to the CDC's weekly report, found at cdc.gov/flu.
Health officials reported 2,671 flu hospitalizations during the week, a 34 percent decline from the previous week.
Six influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurred nationwide during the week, bringing the total this season to 97. The season generally starts the first week of October and ends at the end of May.
The CDC estimates influenza has been responsible for 25 million illnesses, 280,000 hospitalizations and 17,000 deaths in the United States this year.
The influenza season in Missouri mirrors that of the nation. Cases are falling.
During the week ending Jan. 28, the state reported 538 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza (432 influenza A, 100 influenza B, and six untyped). Type A can spread from animals to humans (examples are avian or swine flu). Influenza B can only spread among humans. Influenza A viruses are the most harmful and can cause severe disease.
In Missouri, 183 influenza-associated deaths have occurred. There have been 11 influenza outbreaks (two or more ill residents of a nursing facility) and two influenza-associated school closures in the state.
According to Chezney Schulte, Cole County Health Department communicable diseases coordinator, the county has had 2,147 cases of influenza A and 234 of Influenza B.
The county reported eight cases of influenza A during the past week and five cases of influenza B.
Camden, Morgan and Osage counties had no new cases during the week ending Jan. 28.
Boone County had six cases of influenza A and five of influenza B; Callaway County had two influenza A; Maries County had two influenza A and one unknown; Miller County had five influenza A and one influenza B; and Moniteau County had one influenza A.