More than 900 flu cases reported in Boone County, most cases reported on record
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
There were 907 cases of influenza reported in Boone County from Jan. 26-Feb. 1, according to a press release from the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services.
This is the highest weekly number of cases the county has reported since it started tracking flu cases in 2004, the release says.
The week prior, Jan. 19- Jan. 25, there were 268 reported flu cases, according to Austin Krohn with the Columbia/Boone County Health Department.
More than 10,000 cases were reported in the state during the same period, according to data from the state. Influenza A made up 98% of cases
Area schools have been impacted by flu and other illnesses the past few weeks. Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish in Columbia experienced 112 students sick this week, causing the school to call off its Thursday classes. Climax Spring schools in Camden County also called off class for one day last week after a flu outbreak.
Krohn says the recent spike is likely due to dry weather and people gathering.
There are likely even more cases but Krohn said they don't get reported.
 "That number in all likelihood is higher, how much higher I don't know but a decent bit, but because you know you have a cough or sniffles you aren't going to go to the doctor, maybe you stay home or medicate." Krohn said.
As far as COVID-19, Krohn says, it is still lingering, but the flu is exceeding it.
"Last week, we had 64 cases of COVID so it is heavily outweighing COVID." Krohn said.
The Columbia/Boone County PHHS will hold walk-in flu clinics, where residents can get vaccinated during:
- 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1-6 p.m. Feb. 10-Feb. 14
- 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 15.
The PHHS asks residents to bring their insurance information to the flu vaccination clinic. The out-of-pocket cost for adults is $25, the release says. Children ages 6 months through 18 years of age are free. A free vaccine is available for adults without insurance, the release says.
