COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – If you had the flu this winter, you are certainly not alone. The Centers for Disease Control are calling this winter’s flu outbreak an epidemic and some doctors say it’s the worst in almost a decade.
Every state in the country except for Hawaii is currently reporting widespread flu activity.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the number of flu cases reported in southwest Michigan went up dramatically in the first weeks of 2018 but cases have been dropping in the Detroit area and up north.
Most people are getting sick from the A/H3 virus.
The flu has killed 30 people around the country. There has been one death in Michigan as a 12-year-old boy from Saint Clair County died two weeks ago from flu like symptoms.
Valarie Newton from the Branch-Hillsdale-Saint Joseph Community Health Agency told their Board of Health Thursday that flu cases are increasing, but they continue to have the flu vaccine available. They are encouraging residents to get their flu and pneumonia shots if they have not done so.
Due to community illnesses, Maple Lawn Medical Care and Rehabilitation Facility in Coldwater is restricting visitors.
Only healthy adults are being admitted. No children under the age of 15 are being allowed to visit. Those who have a cough are being told to delay their visit to Maple Lawn until they are healthy. Those who insist on visiting are being told to wash their hands and wear a mask.
Due to excessive illness within the district, Bronson Community Schools will be closed , Friday, January 26. Buildings will be deep cleaned in an effort to reduce the spread of germs.
