Flu infections are on the rise in Rheinland-Pfalz, as the combined number of cases in the most recent two weeks of reporting was nearly double the total in the previous four weeks, according to state health data. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Rheinland-Pfalz has been experiencing a spike in the flu lately, according to state health officials.

Between Jan. 27 and Feb. 9, the number of cases of influenza A and B almost doubled in comparison with the combined number from the previous four weeks.

Data is provided in weekly reports, the most recent of which was issued Thursday. Over the past two reporting weeks, the number went from 4,223 to 8,397, according to the state’s last two respiratory illness reports. That’s a rise of about 99%.

Also, the total number of flu cases is 28% higher than it was during the initial six reporting weeks last year.

The case count for the year started with the week of Dec. 30 through Jan. 5.