COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Community Health Agency Health Officer Rebecca Burns told the Branch County Board of Commissioners Thursday that the number of influenza cases in the area are still on the rise.
She made her presentation as a number of area school districts, including Bronson Community Schools, have been forced to shut down this winter due to the large amount of students and staff who have come down sick.
She says to prevent catching the flu, wash your hands, get a flu shot and stay home if you or your child is sick.
Meanwhile, the Coronavirus epidemic continues to get a lot of media coverage. CHA Medical Director Dr. Lauren Vogel says 70 million people have been quarantined in China as the virus in that country is new and has never been in humans before.
Four suspected Coronavirus cases in Michigan all turned out to be negative.
Recent statistics from the CHA show there were 40 cases of influenza reported during this flu season through the end of December in Branch, Hillsdale, and St. Joseph Counties, compared to just 14 in the three counties during the same period a year ago.
The Community Health Agency is reminding you that it is not too late to get your flu shot for this season. Immunization clinics are held in Coldwater on Mondays. Call (517) 279-9561 extension 100 for more information.
