Arizona flu rising E. coli linked to state fair sparks concerns

Thanksgiving weekend typically amplifies the spread of illnesses including influenza and COVID. The flu has ramped up in the past week, but remains below where it was last year. COVID cases have also stayed low.

Other illnesses, like RSV, have also remained low; however, the series of eColi cases that occurred, because of the state fair, has raised cause for concern. Previously, vendors were required to have a flow through pattern so kids had to wash their hands after exiting the exhibit, but that was no longer a requirement this year.

Will Humble, Executive Director, AZ Public Health Association, joined “Arizona Horizon” to share how changes in the State Health Department have led to health concerns, and how illnesses are seemingly tame for this time of year.

Despite the low numbers, Humble says that the flu season will still happen through February and March, based on trends in Arizona.

Almost six years have passed since the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Since then, many people continued to receive the COVID vaccine boosters. However, Humble says that recently, some have stopped going to get the shot since the decline in cases. On the other hand, the flu hasn’t had the same drop in cases.

“I think a lot of people are like ‘I’ve done my part on that one’ and they haven’t adjusted their thinking to think of COVID like influenza.”

Humble says that another concern for the lack of people getting their vaccines is due to federal officials going against mainstream vaccine science.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. While he has not publicly said that he is against vaccinations, some believe his past work goes against them.

Despite the drop in cases, Humble says that it is still important to receive your vaccinations.