Laboratory-confirmed influenza cases nearly doubled across South Carolina during the final week of October, while hospitalizations continued to climb and influenza-like illness activity reached high levels statewide.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health's latest Flu Watch report, covering Oct. 25-31, the state recorded 1,079 laboratory-confirmed cases, up from 561 the previous week. The increase represents a jump of approximately 92%, while influenza-associated hospitalizations rose nearly 32%, from 104 to 137.
Since the 2026-27 flu season began Oct. 4, South Carolina has reported 2,279 laboratory-confirmed cases, 350 hospitalizations and two influenza-associated deaths. No additional deaths were reported during the latest reporting period.
The percentage of patient visits to participating health care providers for influenza-like illness climbed to 5.1%, up from 3.9% the previous week and above the state's baseline of 3.2%. Overall influenza-like illness activity increased from moderate to high, while geographic spread remained widespread, with increases reported across all four public health regions.
The latest figures continue to reflect a considerably more active early flu season than in recent years. At the same point during the 2025-26 season, South Carolina had reported 121 laboratory-confirmed cases and 47 hospitalizations. During the 2024-25 season, those figures stood at 240 cases and 36 hospitalizations.
Influenza A continues to account for more than 99% of confirmed cases this season, while older adults have experienced the greatest number of serious complications. Of the 350 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported statewide, 197 involved residents ages 65 and older. Both influenza-associated deaths were also among that age group.
Although the statewide surveillance report does not provide a specific number of confirmed influenza cases for Clarendon County, local agencies have been encouraging residents to take precautions as flu activity increases.
Clarendon County Fire Rescue recently urged residents to receive their annual flu vaccine, wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with sick individuals and remain home when ill. The agency also reminded residents that influenza is caused by a virus, meaning antibiotics are ineffective against it.
Clarendon County School District has similarly reminded parents to keep sick children home to help prevent the spread of illness in classrooms. Under district guidelines, students with a fever must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
State health officials continue monitoring influenza activity throughout the season, with weekly surveillance reports tracking confirmed cases, hospitalizations, deaths and influenza-like illness. All figures are preliminary and subject to change as additional reports are received.
The Manning Times will continue providing weekly updates throughout the winter as new state surveillance figures become available.
