Flu-related deaths rise, spread drops to regional in Minnesota

Fourteen 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 135, including three pediatric deaths.

In some good news, MDH said the spread of influenza in the state was downgraded to "Regional" from "Widespread." Influenza activity remains widespread in the vast majority of the rest of the country.

Just 72 flu-related hospitalizations were reported last week, down from 185 the week prior, MDH noted. Nearly 4,000 Minnesotans have been hospitalized with flu-related illnesses this season.