Minnesota Schools Reporting Flu Outbreaks

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota experienced an upswing in flu outbreaks at schools and nursing homes last week.

The weekly report on influenza activity by the Minnesota Department of Health shows six schools reported probable outbreaks and six long-term care facilities had confirmed flu outbreaks during the past week. Both totals are the highest since the start of the flu season.

There were also increases in the percentage of patients seeking medical care who presented with flu like symptoms and the percentage of samples submitted for lab testing that came back positive for influenza. At the same time, there was a modest decline in the number of flu-related hospitalization in Minnesota. The health department is reporting 34 hospitalizations connected to the flu last week, compared with 59 the previous week.Since the beginning of the flu season, Minnesota has seen 254 flu-related hospitalizations.

Overall flu activity continues to be rate as regional.

For 24/7 news and sports check KROC AM and follow KROC-AM on Facebook.