Information released from the State Department of Health shows that while seasonal influenza activity remains at a local level, the number of 125
confirmed cases of Influenza A and Influenza B reported since the week of January 12 has shown a steady increase in the number of cases.

The majority of cases have been reported in Minnehaha and Pennington Counties. This season there have been 60 confirmed cases of influenza resulting in 26 hospitalizations. There have been no reported influenza deaths this season.

In response to the increase in cases of illness, the Sioux Falls Health Department would like to remind people that it is important to use the following preventions:

• Cover your cough and sneeze.
• Wash your hands.
• Stay home from work or school when you are sick.
• Practice social distancing by limiting close contact with others if you are sick.
• It is not too late to get your flu shot if you have not gotten one yet this season.

The City of Sioux Falls has additional information on influenza located available at the following website: www.siouxfallsflu.org.

Statewide statistic on South Dakota influenza surveillance can be found at www.doh.sd.gov/Flu.