KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — According to the Tennessee Department of Health, There have been five child deaths since the start of the 2024 flu season.
The first of those deaths occurred in December 2023. The fifth death was marked between Feb. 11 and Feb. 17, the seventh week of Tennessee's flu season.
The most recent report from the Tennessee Department of Health said that the Knox County metro area and surrounding counties are seeing a "minimal" number of outpatient visits for the flu, at 1.6%.
"Outpatient visits" means that the patient received treatment without being sent to a hospital. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the flu activity within the state is still listed as high, despite the lack of hospitalizations.
The current percentage for influenza-like illnesses for the state from Feb. 11 through Feb. 17 is 5.3%, which is up from the previous week of 5.1%, with the death toll rising from four to five.
The Department of Health describes the illness as, "abrupt onset fever, myalgia, sore throat, nonproductive cough, and headache." They also said that the fever is typically around 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The Department of Health also said that the disease is typically transmitted through coughs and sneezes to those who are near, as well as others touching surfaces that the illness has settled upon.
According to the Department of Health, in total during the week of Feb. 11, there have been four separate outbreaks reported in West, Middle and East Tennessee.
"During the week of February 11, 2024, there were 4 open influenza outbreaks reported in the Mid-Cumberland Region, West Region, Memphis/Shelby County & East Region," the department said.