Flu cases rise as public health experts study new strain

Flu cases routinely increase in the weeks after the holidays, but a new mutation called Subclade K could cause a 'pretty severe influenza season.'

By: Conor Wilson

Outlets: Gig Harbor Now

Published: January 6, 2026

Words: 552

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

Flu activity in the Puget Sound region rose quickly over the last month and public health experts worry it could be the start of a particularly bad flu season.

Right now, 3.3% of emergency room visits statewide stem from influenza, according to the latest data from the Washington state health department published on Dec. 27. That high level of activity surpasses the threshold that requires masking in health care settings.

“Over the past several weeks, …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us