Flu Cases Rising In New York

Influenza is strengthening its grip on New York. Across the state there were 5,227 laboratory-confirmed influenza reports, a 38 percent increase over the week before, state health officials said in the most recent flu report Jan. 19.

This is the sixth consecutive week that widespread flu has been reported in New York. The amount of flu is much lower than this time last year.

Flu is widespread in Putnam, Rockland,Ulster and Westchester, in New York City and across Long Island; less so in Dutchess and Orange counties.

The number of patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza was 786, a 12 percent increase over the week before.

No deaths were reported last week. One child has died of influenza so far this season in the state.

Charts: New York State Health Department

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