HASTINGS, Neb. — Respiratory illnesses continue to spread rapidly in south central Nebraska.

The latest numbers from the South Heartland District Health Department show that influenza cases are rising in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties. The COVID-19 case rate also remains high.
 
The most recent Weekly Influenza Report for the week ending December 3rd, showed the local case rate that week had increased to 92 per 100,000, four times higher than two weeks earlier and the fourth highest rate among Nebraska health districts. RSV case rates had declined to 28.5/100,000, about half the rate compared to 2 weeks earlier.

For COVID-19, the seven-day case rate is 148 cases per 100,000, about 1.5 times higher than the “high” threshold.

Health department officials are encouraging people to get a flu shot and the COVID-19 bivalent booster.

“Our health department team’s wish for the winter holiday season is that residents are able to enjoy the season uninterrupted,” Executive Director Michele Bever said. “Take care of yourselves and your loved ones - - help keep yourself and your family protected by staying up-to-date on all of your vaccinations, and by continuing to practice wellness and prevention to reduce the spread of these respiratory illnesses.”