The latest data from the Arizona Department of Health Services show laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Arizona reached 2,179 for the week of December 1-7, 2024, marking a 21% increase compared to typical flu seasons. The total case count for the 2024-2025 season has hit 9,600, 56% above the five-season average.
The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) rose to 4.4%, exceeding the epidemic threshold of 2.6%. The epidemic threshold is defined as the mean ILI percentage plus two standard deviations, based on data from the 2021-2024 influenza seasons.
While flu cases surge, RSV and COVID-19 activity remains low. RSV cases totaled 163, representing an 81% decrease from last year. COVID-19 cases numbered 2,473, showing a 29% decrease from 2023 levels.
Health officials note these numbers represent only a fraction of actual cases, as many people don’t seek medical attention when ill.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services documents, individuals experiencing serious symptoms should take the following action: For serious problems – including a high fever (more than 101° F) lasting more than 3-4 days, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, an adult not able to take fluids for 24 hours, or an infant who is not taking fluids and is starting to get dehydrated (not wetting diapers) – take the ill person immediately to an emergency department, or call 911.
