JOPLIN, MO.--- The flu bug arrived early this season and it also leaving early. The flu season usually peaks mid-winter, but in Joplin it hit its high point in mid January with 160 reported cases in Jasper County.
Some cases were reported as early as October of last year. The flu virus should be ending by the end of this month. The season varies each year and for different parts of the country.
"Other parts of the county were seeing the flu earlier than we were. That happens that way sometimes. Sometimes we're earlier than other parts of the country, vice versa.
It was in other portions of the country before it was here," said Dan Pekarek, Joplin Health Department.
To compare, in Joplin the flu season of 2010 started in December and lasted until May.
Some cases were reported as early as October of last year. The flu virus should be ending by the end of this month. The season varies each year and for different parts of the country.
"Other parts of the county were seeing the flu earlier than we were. That happens that way sometimes. Sometimes we're earlier than other parts of the country, vice versa.
It was in other portions of the country before it was here," said Dan Pekarek, Joplin Health Department.
To compare, in Joplin the flu season of 2010 started in December and lasted until May.
