Flu-related deaths in Minnesota up to 121, MDH says

The number of flu-related deaths in Minnesota has risen by 11, bring the total number to 121, including three pediatric deaths.

Those numbers are according to the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) latest flu activity report, which was released Thursday. The average age of those who’ve died is 73.

The good news is that the number of hospitalizations due to flu-related illnesses dropped significantly in the past week, with 177 hospitalizations reported, down from 326 the previous week. This season, at least 3,847 Minnesotans have been hospitalized due to flu-related illnesses, MDH says. Over half of the hospitalizations last week were in the metro area, which has accounted for over 60% of the state’s total flu-related hospitalizations this season.

New flu outbreaks in schools stayed about the same as the week prior, with 25 reported compared with 22 the week prior. Nearly 900 school outbreaks have been reported this season.

Influenza remains widespread in the state, MDH says.