Alberta has seen a sharp rise in influenza cases in recent weeks.
During the week of Jan. 19, the number of lab-confirmed flu cases started to climb when 589 new cases were reported and 618 cases the following week, according to the provincial Respiratory Virus Dashboard.
So far this season, a total of 5,465 flu cases have been reported in Alberta, including 441 in the Central Zone.
The most recent data shows flu hospitalizations in Alberta climbed to 1,298 from 1,172, ICU admissions went up to 101 from 89, and flu-related deaths increased to 59 from 52. Hospitalizations in Central Alberta went up to 126 from 115, admissions into the ICU increased by one to 10, and deaths remained at five this season.
Meanwhile, the number of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 cases continue on a downward trajectory.
So far this season 4,393 lab-confirmed RSV cases have been reported in Alberta, with 1,785 hospitalizations, 157 ICU admissions and 41 deaths. Central Alberta has seen 439 cases, 150 hospitalizations, eight ICU admissions, and three deaths.
COVID-19 cases have climbed to 10,028 so far this season in Alberta, with 2,711 hospitalizations, 166 ICU admissions and 334 deaths. Central Alberta cases have reached 1,571, with 422 hospitalizations, 19 ICU admissions and 49 deaths.
