Minn. confirms 15 more flu deaths

Published 11:02 am Friday, February 8, 2013

ST. PAUL — Flu season may have peaked in Minnesota, but the state is still reporting flu-related deaths.

The Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday that 15 more flu deaths were confirmed last week. Since the start of the influenza season, Minnesota has confirmed 127 deaths.

Hospitalizations due to flu were down last week. Health officials say 108 people were hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza last week, compared with 135 the week before. So far this season, Minnesota has seen 2,612 hospitalizations.

Email newsletter signup

Only one nursing home reported a confirmed outbreak of flu last week while 19 schools reported outbreaks.

Health officials announced last week that the worst of the flu season is likely over in Minnesota.

“It is possible that some providers may have exhausted their supply at this point in the season,” health officials stated in a news release. “You may need to check with a few clinics to find vaccine. Based on the information we have available, it should be possible to find a provider who has vaccine available. We strongly advise people to keep looking. The MDH flu clinic locator may be helpful for this.”