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.
📊 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.
📌 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.
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