Alaska Department of Health statistics show the spread of influenza A running ahead of schedule in Southeast and across Alaska this year.

The state’s latest Respiratory Virus Snapshot shows that in the period Oct. 3-9, the department confirmed 285 new flu cases across Alaska. That’s up from 14 flu cases in the same period in 2025, and up from a few dozen cases a week in August, the department said. 

Southeast is outpacing most other regions with a rate of 116 new infection cases per 100,000 residents in the week ending Oct. 3, the Department of Health reported.

Weekly flu cases rose swiftly across Alaska in late August and early September, department data show. The traditional influenza season runs from October through May.

California, Washington and Hawaii also saw early rises in flu cases this year, which is unusual as waves of new respiratory virus typically start in the South and expand from there.

Also in Alaska for the week ending Oct. 10, the Department of Health confirmed 74 new cases of COVID-19 statewide, with the September and October case count running about double July’s numbers.

“Strategies to help reduce community risk from respiratory illness include the following,” the department said: “Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, practicing good hygiene such as regular handwashing, staying home when feeling unwell, wearing a mask around others when appropriate, and getting tested if symptoms develop.”