Southern Nevada Health District enhances flu surveillance activities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 23, 2018

LAS VEGAS – Due to increased flu activity this season, the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance is working with the Health District’s Vital Records program and the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health to review and update previously reported cases of flu. Based on this review, the number of reported deaths for Clark County this season has been updated to 48. This process does not add to the total flu case count for the season.

The Health District conducts surveillance in keeping with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. When flu cases are reported to the Health District, the outcome of a case may be delayed. Staff members conduct investigations that involve reviewing patient records, death certificates, and laboratory reports, as well as verifying case definitions to reconcile surveillance activities.

Nationally, the flu season peaked in early February with influenza A(H3) viruses being the predominant strains reported for the overall season. Beginning in March, influenza B strains were reported more commonly than A viruses. It is not unusual for there to be a second, lower wave of influenza activity later in the season. At the local level, the Southern Nevada Health District’s season mirrored national activity with cases beginning to decline shortly after the first of the year and more influenza B viruses being reported later in the season.

The Health District continues to report new cases of flu in Clark County and to review past reports of diagnosed cases. While flu occurs more commonly in the winter months, cases can occur throughout the year, and the Health District continues to urge people to get vaccinated. More information about flu and the Health District’s updated surveillance reports are available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/stats-reports/influenza-surveillance.php.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.