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High levels of flu activity remain in Douglas County

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OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The number of lab-confirmed cases of the flu in Douglas County decreased last week to 459; however, Nebraska remains one of 34 states that continue to experience high levels of the illness.

Ten percent of all emergency department visits last week were due to flu-like illnesses, according to the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD).

A total of 3,758 confirmed cases of the flu have been reported in Douglas County since Sept. 29, 2019, with more cases of influenza type A reported than type B.

Two flu-related deaths in people over 65 have occurred in Douglas County this season and eight outbreaks in long-term care facilities and one in a correctional facility have been reported.

Outpatient visits, ER visits, hospital admissions and children absent from school due to illness all remain high, DCHD says.

DCHD stresses that vaccination is the best way to reduce risk from the flu and it's not too late to get vaccinated.

Read the full report here.