State Sees Spike in Influenza Related Deaths

Jennifer Lewerenz | Mar 5, 2020 AT 4:25 pm

Click to Enlarge Photo: Unsplash

(KNSI) - The Minnesota Department of Health says 28 people in the state died last week alone from influenza related complications.

The latest numbers from the MDH show that as of the week ending February 29th, influenza has claimed the life of 95 adults. The week ending February 22nd, that number was 67 adults. Two children have also died.

The number of hospitalizations total in the state last week was actually down from 441 to 349. In central Minnesota, there were 48 influenza related hospitalizations. In total this season, 400 people in central Minnesota have been hospitalized. The average age of those being admitted is 59.

Long term care facility outbreaks were also down from 17 last week to 10 this week. To date this season there have been 80 long term care facility outbreaks statewide.



School outbreaks, though were up from 35 last week to 43 this week. So far, 848 school outbreaks have been reported.



Flu season in Minnesota typically lasts through the end of March.















Posted By Jennifer Lewerenz News Director Jennifer is a twin cities native, spending the entire 20 plus years of her radio career in Minnesota. She and her husband enjoy cooking, fishing, laughing, sports and traveling.