This article appeared in The Kansas City Star. Read the full story here.
Three people in Missouri and three in Kansas have died because of the flu in a season that federal health officials warn could peak earlier than normal.
Among those, the flu contributed to a death in Johnson County, according to the county’s health department.
Nationwide, more than 1.7 million cases of the flu and more than 900 flu-related deaths have been recorded since the beginning of the season on Oct. 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More than 1,500 cases have been reported in Missouri, three resulting in death, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said on Monday — while reminding people to get a flu shot.
None of the deaths were in Kansas City or Jackson County, according to the city and county health departments.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported three deaths in the state this season.
Last season, 92 deaths in Missouri and 96 in Kansas were linked to the illness.
The flu has hit the South especially hard early in the season, but the CDC says cases have picked up in a dozen states. Missouri and Kansas are not among them, according to the CDC.
Kansas is among 16 states where flu cases are minimal; Missouri’s season is moderate so far, the CDC says.
“There’s not a predictable trend as far as if it’s early it’s going to be more severe, or later, less severe,” Scott Epperson, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the CDC, told The Associated Press.
The particular virus making people sick in most parts of the country right now is more harmful to children and people younger than 50 than for senior citizens, federal health officials say.
“For those who haven’t already been vaccinated, it is important to know that it’s not too late,” Randall Williams, director of Missouri’s health department, said in a statement on Monday.
“We are approaching the peak of flu season, so now is still a great time to protect yourself and others around you by being vaccinated.”