Choctaw Nation Public Health Advisory: Influenza Rates Increasing Across the Reservation

DURANT, Okla. — The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Public Health Department is issuing a public health advisory regarding rising influenza rates within the Choctaw Nation Reservation. Between Dec. 28 and Jan. 3, the influenza positivity rate was 13.1%, with Bryan, Pittsburg, and LeFlore counties particularly affected.

RSV and COVID-19 rates continue to increase reservation-wide as well as respiratory virus season continues across Choctaw Nation. CNO Public Health Director Rikki LaRoche says, “Vaccination remains the best line of defense against respiratory illness this winter, noting that the CNO Community Health Nurses provide influenza vaccines at most CNHSA facilities.”

CNO Epidemiologist Mason Emert notes that while influenza rates are currently high, CNO expects influenza spread to continuously increase through early spring.

For more information about the current respiratory virus trends across Choctaw Nation, along with prevention tips and information, please visit the Respiratory Health Hub.

The public is welcome to access the site at any time.

Media Note: Media are welcome to use the data in the Respiratory Health Hub on an ongoing basis with an appropriate credit to the site. Emert is available for virtual interviews and Department of Public Health director, Rikki LaRoche, is available for in-person interviews.