The Arkansas Department of Health released its weekly flu report Tuesday afternoon, which noted 300 new positive cases and eight deaths during the week of Jan. 22-Jan. 28. 

The report, which trails a week behind real time, details case data trends and flu-related deaths. It includes statewide school absentee rates and nursing home outbreaks. The report also notes that because all positive flu cases are not reported to the state, the report is not all encompassing. 

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Still, the ADH tracks the estimated number of positive cases each week. The 300 cases reported from last week matches the slowed rate that began in mid-January.

At 137 deaths, the 2022-2023 season has the second highest death count in the last five years, according to ADH data. About 75% of the deaths were unvaccinated people, and Arkansans aged 65 and older reported the highest death count with 83. One death was a pediatric case. Other identifying details about cases and deaths are not released.

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Flu spread in Arkansas stayed in the low distinction for the third consecutive week matching a nationwide slow in illness. No new nursing home or congregate living settings were reported for the week of Jan. 22-Jan. 28. The school absenteeism rate was 7.7% statewide, and Baxter County in North Central Arkansas reported the highest rate at 11.74%. Pulaski County reported a rate of about 9%.

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