The Minnesota Department of Health has reported a significant escalation in flu activity for the week ending January 18, 2025. An additional 29 flu-related deaths were recorded, bringing the season’s total to 50 fatalities. Notably, there have been no pediatric influenza deaths reported in the state to date.
The impact on educational institutions is pronounced, with 94 schools reporting flu outbreaks, a substantial increase from 16 the previous week. Long-term care facilities are also affected, with 16 outbreaks reported.
Hospitalizations have seen a slight decrease, with 629 reported cases compared to 774 the prior week. Despite this decline, the cumulative number of hospitalizations remains high, underscoring the severity of this flu season.
State health officials continue to advocate for vaccination, emphasizing that it’s not too late to receive a flu shot. Vaccination remains the most effective measure to protect against influenza and its potential complications.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me