—
The number of flu cases statewide is trending down, but that’s not true in the Joplin area.
That trend suggests the flu arrived later in Southwest Missouri than other parts of the state.
Tony Moehr, head of the Jasper County Health Department, in a telephone interview on Friday, said, “Statewide, the trend is down, but the trend is still on the increase in Joplin. At least that was the case at the end of last week.
“It could mean the flu arrived late to this part of the state.’’
Even though the number of flu cases is trending downward in Missouri, it and 46 other states are reporting widespread geographic influenza activity. Only Tennessee and Georgia are reporting regional activity.
At Mercy Hospital Joplin, Judy Russell, a nurse practitioner in the emergency department, said, “We are not tapering quite yet. We’re sitting at a plateau at this point with what we have been seeing.’’
Once the flu has reached this level of activity in Joplin, it usually takes about four weeks before it starts to taper off, Russell said.
Karen Watts, infection control officer with Freeman Health System, said, “The number of flu patients receiving care at Freeman Health System continues to rise.’’
Last week at Freeman, 44 patients were confirmed with influenza A, an increase from 37 the week before, while 34 patients were diagnosed with influenza B, as compared to 28 who tested positive the week before.
“The community should keep in mind those numbers reflect only the patients who seek medical care for the flu; many more do not request medical testing or treatment for their symptoms,’’ she said.
So far, the highest population infected with the flu virus locally are those age 5 to 14 followed by those age 25 to 49. Of all hospitalizations, approximately 50 percent were among those age 65 and older, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.
The flu claims about 40,000 lives annually in the United States.
Since the start of the season, influenza A viruses have predominated nationally, followed by influenza B viruses, while 2009 H1N1 viruses have been identified less frequently. Over the course of the season, the predominant circulating virus has varied by state and by region.
Said Watts: “There is no way to predict how long the flu virus will persist this season. Our numbers are still climbing, and it is impossible to know when this season will peak. As long as the flu is present in the community, it is not too late to receive a flu shot.’’
62 percent
The vaccine against the flu strains that were forecast to predominate this year is 62 percent effective, according to the CDC. That is considered “moderate’’ effectiveness, meaning that almost four in 10 people who receive the vaccine and are exposed to the virus will nevertheless become infected.
Local News
Cases of flu continuing to rise in Joplin
- Local News
-
-
VIDEO: Restore Joplin designer stepping up to help Moore tornado victims
The designer of the Restore Joplin T-shirts who helped raise nearly a quarter-million dollars for Joplin in the wake of the 2011 tornado has put together a similar design to raise money for residents of Moore, Okla.
-
Community gearing up for two-year anniversary ceremony this afternoon
With the playground full of children, it could be any other day at Joplin’s Cunningham Park, but the white tents popping up and neat rows of white chairs lined up nearby indicate something more is happening today.
-
Farmers Insurance teams up with Rebuild Joplin
Farmers Insurance announced Tuesday that the company will team up with Rebuild Joplin for an initiative to help the community complete its recovery efforts. The company already has placed one of its executives in Joplin, and it is pledging additional funds and volunteer hours by company workers to go toward the city’s recovery.
-
Jasper County approves renovation, building plans
Work is expected to start within two weeks on a project to renovate a county owned building near the courthouse for the Jasper County sheriff’s office.
-
SMB sets up fund for Moore, Okla., storm victims
Southwest Missouri Bank has set up an account so area residents can donate to storm victims in Moore, Okla., which was hit by an EF-5 tornado on May 20.
-
Farm Service Agency announces deadline
Patty Lambert, executive director of Jasper County USDA Farm Service Agency, said producers are required to report prevented planting acreage for FSA program eligibility.
-
Former IRS worker gets probation after guilty plea to theft of funds
Pittsburg resident and former Internal Revenue Service employee Becky L. Book received two years probation after pleading guilty earlier this year to the theft of $26,449.65 in public funds.
-
Joplin residents can sign Banner of Hope for Moore during anniversary event today
Joplin residents will be able to sign a 20-foot banner sending messages of hope and encouragement to the people of Moore, Okla., during the anniversary ceremony today in Cunningham Park.
-
Arma mother facing murder charge in sleeping baby’s death
Heather Buckalew fell asleep on a couch with her 4-month-old baby after a night last summer drinking beer with her boyfriend. The boyfriend, Donald Harvey, got up to go to work a few hours later and spotted his son, lying face down on a pillow between the back of the couch and his sleeping mother.
-
Joplin residents lend a hand in Moore
Joplin is paying it forward. The day before the two-year anniversary of an EF-5 tornado leveling one-third of Joplin, pastors from Ignite Church in Joplin were in Moore, where an EF-5 spent 40 minutes on the ground on Monday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
VIDEO: Restore Joplin designer stepping up to help Moore tornado victims
