Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) tracks flu and other respiratory illnesses every week to identify trends throughout the state. The most current data for the week ending November 22 in the Respiratory Surveillance Report shows the following:
The state rate for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 2.6 percent, a drop from the previous week’s rate of 3.3 percent. The following chart shows a breakdown of flu activity by MSDH Health Districts, as well as a corresponding map.
| MSDH District ILI Rates (%) 2025-2026 | ||
| District | Week 46 | Week 47 |
| State | 3.3 | 2.6 |
| I | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| II | 3.0 | 5.5 |
| III | 11.7 | 7.8 |
| IV | 8.4 | 7.8 |
| V | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| VI | 2.1 | 2.4 |
| VII | 5.0 | 2.8 |
| VIII | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| IX | 2.2 | 1.6 |
Overall, the percentage of ILI cases is currently highest in the 5-24 and 0-4 year age groups.
COVID-like illness (CLI) rates remain well below influenza.
The number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases has risen to 136 this year, surpassing the annual totals from each of the past 15 years. Pertussis cases have been highest among those in the 5-17 age group. In the less than 1-year-old group, 20 of the unvaccinated children were less than 7 months of age, too young to receive all doses of pertussis-related vaccinations. MSDH recommends that parents and caregivers (including grandparents and childcare workers) are boosted against this highly contagious illness.
We are more susceptible to viruses of all kinds during the fall and winter due to increased time spent indoors and social gatherings.
MSDH encourages everyone to get appropriate updated vaccinations, your best defense against seasonal respiratory illnesses. While vaccinations are not a guarantee you won't catch flu, COVID or other illnesses, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of hospitalization or even death.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations bring a unified approach to a range of respiratory viral illnesses:
- Staying up to date with vaccinations including flu, COVID-19 and RSV if eligible.
- Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors.
Vaccinations are available at county health departments, healthcare providers and pharmacies around the state. MSDH recommends you call ahead to county health departments to discuss your needs.
To find a county health department near you, visit msdh.ms.gov/locations
To view the full Weekly Respiratory Surveillance Report, visit msdh.ms.gov/ili
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Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
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