For St. Charles County, the 2017-2018 influenza season was the busiest since reporting began in 2005-2006, the St. Charles County Department of Public Health reported this week as it issued its final flu report of the season.

Since October 2017, 8,640 cases of the flu were reported to the Department of Public Health – more than doubling the previous high recorded last season. The busiest weeks were the period from December 23, 2017 through January 21, 2018, when more than 3,100 cases were reported. As observed throughout the United States, positive cases of both Influenza A and B were reported in St. Charles County.

This is how the numbers look going back to the 2005-2006 season, when reporting began in St. Charles County:

2016-2017 season: 4,051 cases

2015-2016 season: 1,414 cases

2014-2015 season: 3,461 cases

2013-2014 season: 1,376 cases

2012-2013 season: 2,115 cases

2011-2012 season: 1,392 cases

2010-2011 season: 1,188 cases

2009-2010 season: 2,102 cases

2008-2009 season: 853 cases

2007-2008 season: 2,106 cases

2006-2007 season: 727 cases

2005-2006 season: 707 cases

The Department notes that the numbers reflect cases reported by medical professionals to the Department of Public Health, and may not necessarily be an account of the actual number of influenza cases during the period.

With the help of healthcare professionals and a region-wide partnership, the Department of Public Health continues surveillance for influenza and other reportable diseases throughout they year. For information on the Communicable Disease program, please call 636-949-7319.