ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York has recorded its highest number of flu cases ever in a single week.
The New York Health Department’s most recent data shows a range of reported cases from 54 in Essex County to 94 in Franklin County.
Statewide, officials recently reported the highest number of influenza cases they have ever recorded in a single week, with 71,123 cases in the week ending Dec. 20.
That’s the most cases reported in a week since they started tracking the data in 2004.
Hospitalizations are up 63%.
This is a 38% rise with a total of 189,312 cases this season to date.
Experts at the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh say they have seen positive cases almost triple in the last three weeks, with about 8% of people with the flu being admitted.
“If you are coming in with respiratory symptoms, please put on a mask. While you are sitting in the ED next to someone else, we don’t want to spread whatever respiratory thing may be going on. You may be testing negative as a person but you may be positive. So, we need people to be wearing masks when they walk in the door,” said Erica Moore, the infection prevention manager at CVPH.
New York’s Essex County has among the highest vaccination rates in New York, with just over 32%. That’s compared to Franklin and Clinton counties, which are at less than 30%.
Some simple steps to take to keep yourself safe: regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; stay away from people who are sick; stay home when you are sick; and cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
Copyright 2025 WCAX. All rights reserved.