Influenza activity rises across state as winter intensifies

Big Horn Basin among regions reporting spread

Flu activity continues to rise across Wyoming as the state settles into the heart of the winter illness season, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

During the most recent reporting week, health care providers recorded 421 laboratory-confirmed flu cases statewide. Cases were reported in 20 counties, including all the counties in the Big Horn Basin, with all five regions of the state showing ongoing flu activity. Overall flu levels across Wyoming are considered moderate, but officials say transmission remains elevated.

The Wyoming Department of Health reported that influenza activity is expected to continue for several more weeks. Although some indicators have decreased or remained stable compared to last week, this may reflect changes in health care seeking or reporting during the holidays rather than a sign that influenza activity has peaked.

Doctors’ offices around the state are also seeing more patients with flu-like symptoms. About 6.3% of all outpatient visits were related to influenza-like illness, well above Wyoming’s usual winter baseline.

Both major types of flu viruses are circulating this winter. Influenza A is the most common strain being detected in Wyoming and across the country.

Two flu outbreaks were reported in Wyoming long-term care facilities this week, though neither occurred in the Big Horn Basin. No flu-related deaths among children have been reported in Wyoming so far this season, though 17 pediatric deaths have been recorded nationwide.

Residents are encouraged to get a flu shot if they have not already done so, wash hands regularly, and avoid close contact with others when feeling sick. Covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and staying home from work or school when symptoms are present can also help slow the spread during the busiest weeks of the flu season.

Nearby areas are also seeing increased illness. Counties in southern Montana, including Yellowstone County (Billings) and Carbon County (Hardin), are reporting elevated flu-related doctor visits and hospitalizations.

Nationally, flu and other respiratory illnesses remain widespread. As of January 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 15 million flu cases, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths across the United States so far this season. Doctor visits for flu among children are at a 10-year high, and the CDC’s in-season severity assessment classifies the current flu season as moderately severe.

Retail pharmacy data paints a similar picture. Walgreens, which tracks illness trends through prescription fills and sales of flu and respiratory medications, currently ranks Wyoming at the highest level on its severity scale. According to that data, respiratory illness activity in the state is at its highest point this season.

Experts say several factors are contributing to the surge. Flu vaccination rates are down by about 10 percent this year, and a fast-spreading strain of Influenza A appears to be causing more severe illness than some recent strains. While it does not appear to be more deadly overall, its rapid spread is placing added strain on health care systems.

Big Horn County health officials and the Wyoming Department of Health encourage residents to take everyday precautions, check in on elderly neighbors and family members, and help protect those most vulnerable as influenza activity remains elevated.