Clark County is currently witnessing a significant surge in influenza cases, with emergency department visits and hospitalizations on the rise, according to recent data. In the last week of December, the county saw 36% of influenza tests returning positive, a steep jump from the 8% positivity rate reported a month earlier. This spike in flu cases has correspondingly led to increased pressure on the healthcare system; over 7% of visits to emergency departments and 5.5% of county hospitalizations are now flu-related—a notable escalation from less than 1% and 0.2%, respectively, the month before.
"While influenza activity is already high, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine," Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director, as per a report by the Public Health website. He stressed the longevity of the flu season and the enduring benefit of vaccination. Melnick's advice, which is especially salient given these current trends, points to an urgent need for vaccination efforts. An effective preventive measure, the flu shot is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with only 24% of Clark County residents having received their 2024-25 flu vaccine thus far.
Moreover, Clark County is also navigating lower but persistent levels of other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The data from late December reveals that about 1% of hospitalizations and less than 1% of emergency department visits were due to COVID-19. RSV accounts for a similar percentage of cases. The county continues to offer vaccines for these viruses as well, but uptake remains low, with only 15.4% of residents having received the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine and 37% of adults aged 75 and over having received the RSV vaccine.
Preventative measures outside of vaccination are also being advised by public health officials. People are urged to stay home when ill, frequently wash their hands with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and to avoid touching their faces. Other recommendations include wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and staying away from those who are sick. For complete details on how to protect oneself during this high activity of respiratory illnesses, the Public Health website is being updated regularly with information and guidance.
