Question

The Maine Public Health Department reported that there have been 90 flu cases requiring hospitalization in Portland, ME (population of 70,000) since the beginning of 2018 - today is July 4th, 2018. On February 1st, 2018, 43 of those cases were hospitalized. What was the prevalence rate of flu cases requiring hospitalization thus far in 2018?

Answer 1

The prevalence rate of flu cases requiring hospitalization thus far in 2018 is:

= 0.13%

Explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Population of Portland, ME = 70,000

Number of flu cases requiring hospitalization on February 1st, 2018 = 43

Number of flu cases requiring hospitalization on July 4th, 2018 = 90

The prevalence rate of flu cases requiring hospitalization thus far in 2018 = 90/70,000 * 100 = 0.13%

b) The prevalence rate represents the proportion of the population of Portland, ME, who have the flu at the time that the Maine Public Health Department reported the number of flu cases requiring hospitalization on July 4th, 2018.