NEW YORK (VINnews) – New York state has reported its highest number of influenza cases ever recorded in a single week, health officials said Friday, as flu activity continues to surge during the winter season.
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The state counted 71,123 flu cases during the week ending Dec. 20, the largest weekly total since influenza became a reportable illness in 2004, according to the New York State Department of Health.
Officials said the latest figures represent a 38% increase from the prior week. Hospitalizations linked to influenza also rose sharply, climbing 63% statewide to 3,666 patients, up from 2,251 the week before.
State Health Commissioner James McDonald said health authorities are closely monitoring hospital capacity as flu and other respiratory viruses spread.
He urged residents to take preventive steps, including getting vaccinated, staying home when ill and practicing good hygiene. McDonald also noted that antiviral treatments can reduce the severity of illness for high-risk patients if started early.
So far this year, New York has recorded 189,312 confirmed flu cases, officials said, as infections rise nationwide. Earlier this month, the state designated influenza as “prevalent,” triggering additional masking requirements for unvaccinated health care workers in patient-care settings.
Health officials have warned that flu activity, combined with RSV and COVID-19, could strain health systems during the holiday and winter period.