New York is getting slammed by the flu.<\/p>\n
The state logged 71,123 positive flu cases<\/a> in the week ending on Dec. 20 \u2014 the highest single-week total since tracking began in 2004, according to the New York State Department of Health.<\/p>\n The figure marks a 38% jump from the previous week and signals an early, fast-moving flu season.<\/p>\n So far this season, 189,312 flu cases have been reported statewide.<\/p>\n New York State recorded more than 71,000 flu cases in a single week, the highest total since tracking began in 2004. UCG\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/p>\n Health officials say the surge started weeks earlier<\/a> than usual and is expected to keep climbing as flu season typically peaks in January.<\/p>\n Emergency rooms are already feeling the strain. New York City hospitals reported 9,857 emergency room visits for flu-like illness<\/a> in the week ending Dec. 20, the highest level seen in at least a decade.<\/p>\n Lab-confirmed cases show how widespread the virus has become, with the city recording 32,239<\/a> flu cases that week. More than half of those who fell sick, were children. <\/p>\n Health officials say the current flu season started weeks earlier than usual and is spreading rapidly across the state. nimito \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the numbers are the highest ever recorded<\/a> for a single week, though increased testing may be capturing more cases than in past years.<\/p>\n