Local Flu cases on the rise

The Benton-Franklin Health Department is seeing a rise in the number of influenza cases in the Tri-Cities.

Specifically, several area schools have have reported a 10-percent or greater absentee rate recently, and the main reason is a student experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Local emergency rooms and walk-in clinics have also reported a sudden up-tick in the number of people presenting with influenza symptoms.