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Boston Reports 114% Surge in Flu Cases; Children Most Affected
Flu cases surged 114% with emergency visits up 44%; infections among children rose 83% in under-5s and 217% in ages 5-17, officials said.
- A 114% increase in reported cases led Boston officials to issue a Tuesday warning from the Boston Public Health Commission urging vaccination.
- During the week of Dec. 7-14, the Boston Public Health Commission observed a sharp flu increase about a month earlier than last season, when similar levels were reached in January.
- Flu-Related emergency department visits increased 44%, and 'Flu cases are on the rise in Boston, and we are urging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from respiratory illnesses, which can cause hospitalization and severe illness,' said Bisola Ojikutu.
- Children are being hit hardest, with cases among children ages 5-17 up 217% and under five rising 83%, and roughly 75 percent of children tested positive at UMass Memorial Health–Milford Regional Medical Center last week.
- With just 30% of residents vaccinated as of Dec. 6, officials hosted 27 free vaccine clinics across 15 neighborhoods vaccinating more than 2,500 and urged using boston.gov/vaccine-clinics, vaccinefinder.org or Mayor's Health Line 617-534-5050.
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Boston sees early rise in reported flu cases - Boston News, Weather, Sports
The City of Boston saw an early surge in flu cases this year. The Public Health Commission said there is a 114% increase in reported cases compared to last year, and a 44% rise in flu-related emergency room visits. The city said the rate of infection increased most rapidly among children. Doctors encouraged children and older adults to get the flu vaccine.
·Boston, United States
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The Sun (Lowell)+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Boston reports 114% recent surge in flu cases in December, urges vaccinations
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·Lowell, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Center
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
73% Center
L 18%
C 73%
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