MDH: 6 flu-related deaths last week, spread drops from regional to local

Six more people have died from flu-related illnesses in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) latest flu activity report. The total number of flu-related deaths in the state now stands at 141, including three pediatric deaths.

However, the report also states the spread of influenza in Minnesota was downgraded from "regional" to "local." Just a week earlier, it was downgraded from "widespread" to "regional."

Flu activity remains widespread in much of the country but a few other states also recently downgraded their reported spread of influenza, including North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Just 27 flu-related hospitalizations were reported in the state last week, down from 86 the week prior. Over 4,000 people have been hospitalized in Minnesota with flu-related illnesses this season.