The Flu is Hitting South Dakota Hard

Posted on Wednesday, February 6, 2008

The state Health Department says South Dakota's flu case have been rising rapidly in the past couple of weeks.

State Epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger says they have confirmed 24 culture tested cases and 248 rapid test flu cases in the past week. But he says it's just the tip of the iceberg because all flu cases are not reported.

In Madison the Inter lakes Medical Clinic says they have had 15 positive cases in just the last couple days, and that number is increasing. Most of the flu cases involve younger patients, and some older adults who have been in contact with kids. No one has been hospitalized in Madison yet for the flu.

Kightlinger says people need to take precautions such as hand-washing. And he says those who have not received a flu shot yet and haven't gotten the flu should get a shot right away.

The health department official says people who feel ill should stay home so they don't pass it on to fellow workers.