Minnesota Schools Hit Hard By The Flu

St Paul (KROC AM News) - The number of flu outbreaks at Minnesota schools last week skyrocketed just before most began their holiday break.

The state Health Dept. received reports of 167 school outbreaks, the highest weekly number in five years. There were 60 school outbreaks the previous week.

Nearly 80 people ended up in the hospital after catching the flu, the most of any week since the current season began. And the department confirms another flu-related death, the seventh of the season.

According to the department's new weekly update, flu activity continues to be classified as widespread in Minnesota.