The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has recently started providing weekly updates on the spread of influenza and COVID-19 for the late fall and winter months. According to the latest report as of October 25, the DOH has recorded 25 flu cases and one hospitalization related to influenza.
When it comes to COVID-19, the DOH has reported a total of 1,429 cases, with 77 individuals requiring hospitalization in the period from October 1 to October 25. Unfortunately, there has also been one death caused by the virus during this time. The deceased was a woman over the age of 65.
To help the public track the progress of the flu and COVID-19 in the state, the DOH has created dashboards that provide easily accessible data. The dashboards are regularly updated every Wednesday, providing information on new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths related to both illnesses.
Reflecting back on the previous flu season from October 2022 to September 2023, South Dakota experienced a total of 16,025 flu cases, with 727 individuals requiring hospitalization. Tragically, there were also 39 deaths attributed to the flu during this period.
In terms of COVID-19 during the same season, there were significantly higher numbers. South Dakota saw a total of 25,606 COVID-19 cases, with 1,236 individuals requiring hospitalization. Tragically, the virus claimed the lives of 192 people during this time.
These updates from the DOH serve as an important tool to monitor the prevalence and impact of influenza and COVID-19 within the state. By providing this data, the DOH aims to keep South Dakotans informed and encourage them to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.
To stay up to date with the latest flu and COVID-19 statistics in South Dakota, residents can refer to the DOH’s dashboards, which are updated weekly every Wednesday.
