Flu-Related Deaths Increase By 11 Over Past Week In CT

HARTFORD, CT — On Thursday, the state Department of Public Health (DPH) released its weekly 2017-2018 Influenza Season Update for the week ending on Feb. 3. DPH officials use multiple surveillance systems to monitor the flu throughout the year, according to a release.

According to the data, emergency department visits due to the flu have increased statewide to 14.2 percent, the highest weekly level observed in Connecticut since 2009. The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness have remained above 6 percent for three weeks, which are also some of the highest levels seen in recent seasons.

A total of 1,360 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza have been hospitalized between Aug. 27, 2017 and Feb. 3, 2018, officials said. In that time period, there have been a total of 63 influenza-associated deaths, 52 of which were among patients older than 65. Influenza-related deaths have increased by 11 in a week.

Of the remaining patients, six were between 50-64 years of age, three were between 25-49 years of age, one was between 19-24 years of age and one was between 5-17 years of age.

A total of 3,895 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported so far this season. Here is a breakdown by county:

• Fairfield County: 1,121
• New Haven County: 1,062
• Hartford County: 832
• Middlesex County: 316
• New London County: 207
• Windham County: 134
• Litchfield County: 128
• Tolland County: 95

Several flu clinics are scheduled across the state. Click here to view all of the scheduled flu clinics.

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