Lincoln health department reports 155% spike in flu cases in January

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Health officials on Wednesday reported an increase in levels of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in Lancaster County.

The test positivity rate for flu rose to 29.5% in the week ending Feb. 1, according to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

That’s up from 27.5% the week before.

The health department said positive flu tests in January were higher than in previous years.

There were 918 positive flu tests last month, a 155% increase from 360 in January 2024.

RSV is also on the rise in the community, according to the health department.

The positivity rate increased from 13.9% to 15.6% in the week ending Feb. 1.

Officials have also found more flu and RSV virus particles in wastewater.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases dropped from 67 to 57.

“There’s a lot of flu and RSV out there this season according to our surveillance systems and that may continue for the next several weeks,” Health Director Kerry Kernen said in a press release. “We urge people to take everyday preventive actions that protect against respiratory illnesses.”