SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri is one of 14 states experiencing the highest levels of flu activity in the nation, according to the latest map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials say the surge is being fueled largely by Influenza A — a strain known to cause more severe illness and hospitalizations.
Local health providers, including Jordan Valley Community Health Center and Mercy Hospital Springfield, report sharp increases in flu cases, especially among children and young adults.
“During the holidays, people are traveling and gathering in areas where they’re going to be grouped together,” said Ibrahim Al Almahdad, a family nurse practitioner. “That’s going to cause the possible spread of illnesses.”…