Flu Activity Surging In New Jersey, 43 Other States
Flu season is in full swing, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down, according to the CDC’s weekly update. Cases continue to rise across the country, and 44 states now have high or very high flu activity. Flu-related outpatient visits are elevated for the 9th consecutive week. New Jersey is among several states reporting an especially high number of infections. The state has confirmed more than 20,000 cases in the past two weeks alone, with many more going unreported.
Emergency room visits for flu are also at the high levels and are rising for all age brackets. Hospitalizations are also elevated and are increases in all age-groups. Last week’s update included 16 additional pediatric flu deaths, raising this season’s total to 47.
Full Story: CIDRAP
Gastrointestinal Illnesses Strike 2 Cruise Ships
Two cruise ships are reporting outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections. On the Princess Cruises ship, 62 passengers and 9 crewmembers fell ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that norovirus was the cause of the illnesses. On the Viking ship, 59 guests and 12 crewmembers became sick. Sick people on the Viking cruise experienced the same symptoms as those on the Princess Cruises ship, although the official cause of the Viking outbreak could not be determined. In 2025 the CDC has confirmed five gastrointestinal outbreaks aboard cruise ships.
Full Story: USA Today
