ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s death toll from influenza this season has climbed to 176.

The Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday seven more influenza-related deaths were confirmed last week.

The 176 deaths are the most the state has recorded in at least five flu seasons.

Flu illnesses continue to decrease. Last week 37 people were hospitalized in Minnesota.

One long-term care facility reported a flu outbreak, as did two schools.