Illinois Sees Spike In Flu Cases Over Past Few Weeks
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Throughout the state of Illinois, flu cases have taken a big jump in the past few weeks.
Take a look at the numbers, says Melaney Arnold, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
"Within the past couple of weeks, the amount of flu activity has increased dramatically."
For instance, the week ending November 22, five people were admitted to the ICU for the flu. But the next week, 29 people were in the ICU because of the flu.
And so far this flu season, Arnold says there have been 49 flu cases in ICUs across the state. 49 - compared to only 21 for the same period last year.
"We are seeing a lot of outbreaks in long-term care facilities - so, nursing homes."
Arnold says at least a dozen nursing homes across Illinois have reported flu outbreaks so far.