MN Flu Activity Downgraded to Local

The Minnesota Health Department has downgraded the level of flu activity in the state from regional to local as fewer cases are being confirmed.

But the department also reports the season’s 5th pediatric flu-related death.

The number of hospitalizations fell from 24 the prior week to 16 in the latest weekly report. There were 12 suspected outbreaks at schools, up two from the prior week. Outbreaks at long term care facilities fell from 3 to 5.

The new weekly report also shows the percentage of outpatient visits to clinics by those suffering from flu-like illnesses fell from 2.8 percent to 1.7 percent.