Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health’s (MSDH) Respiratory Surveillance Report, which tracks weekly respiratory illnesses to identify statewide trends, saw a steady number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases for the most recent week available.
For the week ending November 29, the overall state ILI rate (2.7 percent) remained constant from the previous week (2.6 percent) and was lower than this time last year (4.3 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 47 | Week 48 |
| State | 2.6 | 2.7 |
| I | 1.4 | 2.5 |
| II | 5.5 | 3.7 |
| III | 7.8 | 11.0 |
| IV | 7.8 | 6.5 |
| V | 0.7 | 1.0 |
| VI | 2.4 | 2.2 |
| VII | 2.8 | 4.4 |
| VIII | 1.0 | 1.2 |
| IX | 1.6 | 1.6 |
Overall, the percentage of ILI cases has been highest among those in the 5-24 years of age group. During the week being reported, the percentage of ILI cases in the 0-24 and 25-49 years of age groups increased.
COVID-like illness (CLI) rates remain well below influenza.
The number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases has risen to 138 this year, surpassing the annual totals from each of the past 16 years. Of the 23 hospitalized pertussis cases, 15 had not been vaccinated, 6 had been vaccinated, and 2 had an unknown vaccination status. MSDH recommends that parents and caregivers (including grandparents and childcare workers) are boosted against this highly contagious illness.
The percentage of patients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also increased when compared to the previous week. RSV is the primary cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.
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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