STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT – BIG INCREASE IN FLU ACTIVITY

The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting a big spike in flu activity in the new year.  The latest update shows there were 14 more flu-related deaths the week ending January 4th for a total of 23 this season.  The report says 722 patients were hospitalized with influenza complications.  Most of the hospitalizations were in the Twin Cities metro.  Eight long-term care facilities and one school had outbreaks last week.  State health officials were predicting an increase in flu activity over the holidays.