Flu Cases Increase In Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- With cases of influenza growing in Colorado and Texas, it was only a matter of time before Oklahomans started getting the flu.  The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports nine cases of the virus in the state, with five coming in the past week. Only four positive viral cultures were reported during the first three weeks of the month.

Influenza is a contagious viral illness that peaks in January and February.

Weekly state Health Department data released Wednesday lists influenza and flu-like illness activity as sporadic, with no outbreaks occurring in the state.

Eighteen counties in northwestern Oklahoma are reporting elevated numbers of influenza-like illnesses.