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H3N2 ‘K’ Flu Surges as Central Florida Warns of Tridemic Risk for Disney Travelers

Central Florida health officials urge travelers to take precautions due to elevated risk from flu, pertussis, norovirus.

Overview

  • CDC-cited reporting says the H3N2 K subclade now makes up a majority of H3N2 cases, with GISAID detections from at least 29 states and Washington, D.C. as of December 4.
  • National flu activity remains low but rising per the CDC’s late-November FluView, with H3N2 known to cause more severe illness in older adults and young children.
  • Florida has logged more than 1,380 pertussis cases this year, with officials warning of heightened danger for infants and urging vaccination.
  • Norovirus positivity reached a record 25% last December and measured 14% the week before Thanksgiving this year, raising concern for holiday outbreaks in crowded venues.
  • Experts differ on vaccine matching for K, though UK data suggest the current shot still reduces severe outcomes; the CDC advises vaccination, testing when symptomatic, isolation if positive, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and strict hand hygiene, with on-property AdventHealth resources available to Disney guests.