PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – The flu is at a widespread level in Florida.
There are at least five outbreaks in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, respectively, state records show.
But, state officials won’t say where they’re dealing with multiple cases of the flu.
“Per Florida statute, any active disease investigation is confidential. If it is a public health crisis, then there might be some situations where we do release that information,” said Pinellas County Department of Health spokeswoman Audrey Stasko.
Flu outbreaks don’t classify as a crisis, so the state isn’t giving up that information.
Officials published a list that shows the places around Florida where there are flu outbreaks.
At least 48 nursing homes statewide have reported outbreaks.
Seventy-three total outbreaks are being investigated, which is more than season’s past, records show.
Pinellas resident Laketta Davis has three children and wishes the state would indicate where there are outbreaks.
“That’s definitely information that the public needs to know because when you are out in public in general, if you are going to be in contact with other people, these people work at those facilities and locations and being that the flu is high contagious, you want to make sure you’re not in contact with those people. If you are, you know how to protect yourself,” Davis said.
The good news for Davis and her kids? A spokeswoman with the Pinellas School District tells 8 On Your Side there are no reported outbreaks at any school in the county.
Two nursing homes reported at least six cases in each, but again, that information isn’t allowed to be made public.
If you’re aware of a school, nursing home or other location where there’s flu outbreak, please contact News Channel 8 reporter Ryan Hughes at rhughes@wfla.com or on Twitter @WFLARyan.
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