Health department reports flu activity decreased the past week

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol Reporter

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports that flu activity in the state decreased during the past week.

One school reported an outbreak of influenza-like illness, compared to zero the previous week, and no outbreaks due to flu were reported in long-term care facilities.

Flu-related visits to outpatient clinics involved in the MDH Sentinel Provider Network decreased.

Since last Wednesday, five influenza A H1N1-associated deaths were confirmed.

All told, 44 such deaths have been confirmed with five influenza unspecific deaths and one influenza B-associated death also determined, bringing the flu death total to 50 since May.

There has been 1,841 confirmed H1N1 hospitalizations since the strain has been identified in Minnesota, according to MDH.