Flu Activity Widespead in W.Va.

Flu activity is widespread in West Virginia and a state epidemiologist says this year’s season could be severe.
 
     Widespread activity means increases in flu-related outpatient visits, lab-confirmed flu cases and incidents of influenza outbreaks have been reported in at least half of the state’s eight surveillance regions.
 
     Bureau for Public Health epidemiologist and influenza coordinator Shannon McBee says there’s no sign that flu cases are declining.
 
     McBee tells the Charleston Daily Mail that physician reports to the state’s surveillance system show 4.5 percent of all visits are for “influenza-like-illness.”
 
     Several adult flu-related deaths have been reported in Cabell and Putnam counties. One pediatric death has been reported in Jefferson County.
 
     Flu season typically peaks sometime in January or February.