New H3N2 flu wave drives sharp rise in Minnesota hospitalizations
Minnesota is seeing a steep early‑season flu surge driven by a new H3N2 Influenza A subvariant, with more than 1,900 people hospitalized so far this season compared with 536 at the same point last year, and 176 school and 31 long‑term care facility outbreaks already reported. Emergency departments, urgent cares and clinics — heavily concentrated in the Twin Cities metro — are described as 'flooded' with flu patients, and health officials warn that the impact of New Year’s gatherings has not yet shown up in the data.
📌 Key Facts
- A new H3N2 Influenza A 'subclade‑K' strain has become the dominant flu virus in Minnesota this season, replacing last year’s H1N1.
- More than 1,900 flu hospitalizations have been recorded statewide so far, far above the roughly 536 hospitalizations at this time last season.
- Minnesota has logged 176 school flu outbreaks and 31 long‑term care facility outbreaks this season, compared with 23 and 12, respectively, at the same point last year.
📊 Relevant Data
In Minnesota, American Indian/Native American/Alaska Native individuals have age-adjusted flu hospitalization rates 2.6 times higher than White individuals, despite comprising about 0.89% of the state's population compared to 78.35% for White individuals.
Influenza Surveillance in Minnesota — Hennepin Healthcare
In Minnesota, Black/African American individuals have age-adjusted flu hospitalization rates 2.1 times higher than White individuals, despite comprising about 6.8% of the state's population compared to 78.35% for White individuals.
Influenza Surveillance in Minnesota — Hennepin Healthcare
Nationally, for the 2023-2024 influenza season, flu vaccination coverage among people aged 6 months and older was 49.7% for non-Hispanic White individuals, 44.5% for non-Hispanic Black individuals, 42.2% for Hispanic individuals, and 47.1% for other or multiple races.
Flu Vaccination Coverage, United States, 2023–24 Influenza Season — CDC
Genetic ancestry and genetic variation explain population differences in the immune response to influenza infection in a cell type-dependent manner.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time