Week 48 Respiratory Update

This report includes data on both influenza and COVID for Week 48. Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) monitors influenza and other respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, throughout Jefferson County, Missouri. JCHD conducts influenza surveillance using passive surveillance and syndromic surveillance. Although influenza illness can occur year-round, the seasonal influenza reporting begins on the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Week 40 of a given year and continues through MMWR Week 20 of the following calendar year. All data and information are conditional and may change as more reports are received.

COVID19 Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Data — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)

Week 48 Respiratory Report: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57f035cc9f745646c52342b9/t/6390f6f37af9432fbddb1d8c/1670444787577/2022_Week48_JCHDRespiratoryReport.pdf

Influenza Summary: This week, we are reporting 765 additional flu cases for a season total of 1,612 cases. There are no flu deaths reported this season. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu.

An additional graph this week shows that we are currently seeing the largest number of flu cases we have seen in over 10 years. Not only is this the largest peak of cases, but it is also the earliest we’ve seen in over 10 years as well. Our week 48 current cumulative total of 1612 cases have already surpassed the season totals for the entire 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 flu seasons. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine especially those at a higher risk of serious complications.

COVID-19 Summary: This week, we are reporting 273 new COVID cases for a season total of 2,140. There are no additional COVID deaths to report for week 48, however one death was removed because they were identified as not being a county resident bringing the season total to 14 COVID deaths.

Currently, Jefferson County, MO is in the MEDIUM COMMUNITY LEVEL (yellow). Recommended actions based on current level: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.