DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nebraska - Flu activity in Douglas County is starting to drop.The Douglas County Health Department reports flu activity continues to remain high, the number of reported cases slightly decreased last week.
Lab testing drops as clinical diagnoses increase because testing is not always needed when influenza activity is known to be high.
The percentage of outpatient visits with flu-like illness, the percentage of emergency department visits and hospital admissions remain high but dropped a bit.The percentage of children absent from school due to illness increased last week.
There have been two pediatric influenza deaths in the county this season. Influenza B/Victoria is now the predominant virus in Douglas County.
Nebraska is one of 32 states experiencing high levels of flu-like illness.
There have been eight outbreaks in long-term care facilities and one in a correctional facility.
The Health Department reminds residents it is not too late to get vaccinated.