New York City flu cases are on the rise. Borough Park recorded the highest influenza rate in New York City, and Brooklyn neighborhoods account for several of the city's elevated infection rates according to Patch, based on latest NYC health surveillance data,
For the week ending Oct. 24, Borough Park reported 59.13 influenza cases per 100,000 people, approximately twice the citywide rate of 29.30. Gramercy Park/Murray Hill and the Upper East Side followed, each recording 50.47 cases per 100,000.
Other Brooklyn neighborhoods also reported rates above the citywide average. Downtown/Heights/Slope recorded 36.20 cases per 100,000, followed by Greenpoint at 35.62, East Flatbush/Flatbush at 32.83, Coney Island/Sheepshead Bay at 31.55 and Sunset Park at 31.09. Williamsburg/Bushwick recorded 27.35, while Bedford-Stuyvesant/Crown Heights reported 25.68.
The figures come as New York City's reported influenza cases nearly quadrupled between September and Oct. 24, highlighting the growing spread of seasonal flu across the five boroughs.
Influenza A H1 cases increased to 498 for the week ending Oct. 24, compared with a September weekly average of 57. Untyped influenza A cases climbed to 1,583 from a September average of 395. Influenza B cases also increased, reaching 164 from an average of 112, while influenza A H3 cases remained relatively stable.
The rising numbers are particularly relevant to Brooklyn's densely populated residential communities, where schools, workplaces, public transportation and shared indoor spaces can create opportunities for respiratory infections to spread.
Residents are encouraged to get seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, wash their hands regularly, disinfect frequently touched surfaces and stay home when sick. People experiencing sudden fever, chills and body aches should consider early testing for influenza or COVID-19.
Older adults, children under 4, pregnant women and people with underlying conditions, including asthma and heart disease, face a greater risks if infected.
