A widespread flu outbreak in Pennsylvania this year is affecting Butler County weeks ahead of the illness’s predicted peak.

From the end of September through Dec. 14, 6,938 influenza cases have been reported from 65 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The rate of cases puts the state into the highest Center for Disease Control category of flu activity: a widespread outbreak classification. Pennsylvania joins 22 states in hitting the widespread outbreak designation.

Butler County doctors reported 45 of those cases, although the true figure is much higher, according to Butler Health System doctor Jerome Scherer. Patients who are diagnosed without lab testing don’t contribute to the state’s count.

Scherer has handled about five cases already this season. The nation appears to be hitting flu season early and hard, he said.

“I’ve been seeing them for over three weeks,” Scherer said. “It’s definitely much earlier this year.”

This is an excerpt from a larger article that will appear in Friday’s Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.