VISALIA, CA — Health officials report an increase in flu infections and hospital admissions across California this January. While flu activity is moderate statewide, the virus is spreading faster in Tulare County, resulting in a high rate of positive tests locally.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the surge is linked to H3N2, which is a "Flu A" virus. Flu A and Flu B are the two main types of the virus currently spreading in California. To help manage the situation, the CDPH is watching emergency room visits statewide to track the surge and help hospitals handle the extra patients.

Local Hospital Impact

At Kaweah Health in Visalia, the emergency room treated 529 flu patients during December 2025. This number is lower than the 900 cases seen in December 2024. However, health officials noted that the 2024-2025 flu season did not peak until January 2025, when the number of patients reached 1,207.

Local health data from December 2025 shows that 18.2% of tests for Flu A were positive. During the same period, the rate of positive tests for Flu B fell to 1.2%.

Tracking Challenges

Carrie Monteiro, with the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, said tracking the virus is difficult because state law does not require doctors and labs to report every case.

Health officials noted that these positive test rates (18.2% and 1.2%) only reflect results from lab tests. They do not count every person who is sick, such as those who stay home without seeing a doctor.

Forecast and Prevention

Public health experts expect Flu A cases to keep rising. Laura Flores, a spokesperson for Tulare County, said the virus likely has not yet reached its seasonal peak.

Tulare County Health Officer Dr. Asma Tariq encourages residents to protect themselves and slow the spread of the virus by:

  • Getting a yearly flu shot
  • Washing hands frequently
  • Staying home from work or school when feeling sick

The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency says these habits are key to avoiding serious illness and protecting the community.