A hospital official in Horry County, South Carolina, has observed a rise in influenza cases compared to last year, prompting the implementation of visitor limitations at their hospitals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the predominant flu type currently spreading both nationally and internationally is influenza A. Notably, a new strain, referred to as “subclade K,” has emerged. This trend mirrors the situation in South Carolina, where Dr. Catherine Rabon, Chief Quality and Regional Medical Officer at McLeod Hospital, noted a significant uptick in influenza A cases within their facilities.

As a precautionary measure, the hospital is now allowing only two visitors per patient at a time. Visitors must be at least 12 years old and should be either immediate family members or primary caregivers.