DPH releases latest flu data as South Carolina continues to see widespread disease activity

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health released the latest numbers for flu activity during the week of Jan. 3 to Jan. 10 in the state on Wednesday.

While the state is still seeing widespread flu activity, the number of cases decreased from 3,705 in the last week of December to 2,145 cases in the first week of January.

501 people were hospitalized in South Carolina at 54 different hospitals, down by 337 cases from last week’s 838.

However, the number of flu-related deaths rose by 10, going from nine to 19. Last week, South Carolina saw its first pediatric flu death of 2026. Eight people in the Midlands have died from the flu.

In the Midlands, Lexington, Richland, Kershaw and Newberry counties are all seeing above-average flu spread, while Sumter County is seeing below-average spread. The state’s average is 3.7%.

Data from DPH on flu spread was not available for Calhoun, Clarendon, Lee, Orangebug and Saluda counties.

A full record of weekly flu surveillance reports is available by clicking/tapping here.

DPH recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get the flu vaccine. Anyone older than 12 typically does not need a prescription to get the shot. To find a location that offers the flu vaccine, click/tap here.

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