The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week that the influenza (flu) activity level in the state remains widespread. Widespread activity is the highest level of flu activity, which indicates increased flu-like activity or flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in a state. The activity levels for states are tracked weekly as part of the CDC’s national flu surveillance system. This level of flu activity is consistent with other southeastern states that are also currently reporting widespread activity.

A daily listing of public school closures related to influenza-like illness (ILI) reported by schools to the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Department for Public Health has been added to the Health Alerts Web page. School dismissal decisions are made by local school officials weighing a number of factors, although public health agencies may offer consultation. Only closures reported by the night before will appear in the day's list.  View the current list of school dismissals related to ILI.