Downturn in Flu Activity for the Holidays

There was a downturn in flu activity across Minnesota last week as schools closed for the holidays.

The weekly influenza update from the State Health Department shows probable outbreaks were reported by 34 schools, which was down about 90-percent when compared to the previous week.

There was also a decline in the number of outbreaks reported by nursing homes and long-term care facilities and preliminary reports show the number of flu related hospitalizations declined for a second straight week. That total currently stands at 7, while the total from the previous week was 84, and the tally since the start of the flu season is up to nearly 600.

So far this season, the Health Department has reported three pediatric flu-related deaths in Minnesota.

Overall flu activity in Minnesota remains classified as widespread.