CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared the flu an epidemic Tuesday in the United States, and Mecklenburg County's Health Department said it's seen a spike in cases in North Carolina.
"The last report came out showing a rate of about 10 percent. That's a jump from last week which was about four percent," Health Director Marcus Plescia said Tuesday.
Officials said 15 children nationwide have died from the flu. Some local health care facilities are starting to take precautions.
Shanolia Crank-Wilson said she was turned away Monday when she went to visit her mother at Charlotte Health and Rehabilitation Center. She said an employee turned her away due to some kind of health scare.
"I was terrified, because I've been watching the news about the measles and flu," she said.
Eyewitness News visited the facility on Toddville Road in North Charlotte. The director said a staff member may have misinformed Crank-Wilson. A sign on the door said the center was not restricting visitors, but requested people sick with the flu to stay away. It also said visitors should wear face masks and sanitize hands before and after visits.
"We've been in touch with them," Plescia said about the health care center. "They have some concerns about increased incidents of the flu in the community and how to take preventive measures to keep that from happening at their facility."
The Health Department said it is unaware of any confirmed cases at Charlotte Health and Rehabilitation Center. The director said all the steps taken were to protect clients and visitors.
Channel 9 learned Wednesday morning that Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge is restricting visitors under the age of 12 at both hospital locations in Morganton and Valdese.
The tighter restrictions are a direct result of the growing prevalence of seasonal flu cases in the region.
On Wednesday, CHS released the following statement: "Our highest priority continues to be the health of our patients and their families, as well as our staff and the community."
Caromont Regional Medical Center said Wednesday it will restrict visitors because of the flu.
The hospital said the restrictions start Friday for anyone with compromised immune systems or flu-like symptoms.
Officials said the hospital has seen a significant increase of patients with flu-like symptoms and said more than 10 percent of patients have the illness.
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