From the Journals

Study Maps US States Most Vulnerable to Flu

Machine learning analysis identifies 11 jurisdictions—including the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Hawaii—with the highest vulnerability to influenza-like illness.

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A machine learning-based analysis published in PLOS Computational Biology identified significant variations in state-level susceptibility to influenza-like illness (ILI) across the US, with the District of Columbia being the most vulnerable. Researchers created a vulnerability index comprised of socio-economic and health indicators to assess risk during 2022. Data from the CDC and US Census Bureau helped classify states into five vulnerability categories, revealing that socio-economic factors like health insurance levels and population density were key contributors to these vulnerabilities, suggesting the need for targeted public health interventions.

Original Source(s)

Study Maps US States Most Vulnerable to Flu

Machine learning analysis identifies 11 jurisdictions—including the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Hawaii—with the highest vulnerability to influenza-like illness.

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • March 10, 2026

  • 3 min

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