OHIO VALLEY — Despite excessive advertising for vaccinations,
the number of flu cases and flu related symptoms have recently
increased compared to previous flu seasons. As reported by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of
reported influenza-like illnesses (ILI) have increased and the
flu is considered to be widespread in Ohio and West Virginia, as
well as many other states. Although the exact number of flu
cases were not available, Diana Riddle, nursing administrator at
the Mason County Health Department, stated the number of ILI in
Mason County have increased compared to previous flu seasons and
since the last week of Dec. 2012, has doubled. Riddle said the
health department does call local hospitals once a week for
these numbers to see where the flu is circulating throughout the
county and to what extent it is present. According to Tonya
McGuire, public health epidemiologist with the Gallia County
Health Department, there have been reports of six individuals,
ranging from four