4 child flu-related deaths in Minnesota, hospitalizations at record high

(KMSP) - Minnesota is currently experiencing a record-setting influenza season, according to state health officials. 

The Minnesota Department of Health released its weekly influenza report on Thursday. Although the number of hospitalizations decreased from the week before, the total number of hospitalizations for the season rose to 4,271—breaking the previous record of 4,138 set in 2014-2015. That number will likely increase, as the flu remains widespread across the state. 

There have also been three new child deaths from the flu, bringing the total up for four for the season so far.  

Flu outbreaks in schools and long-term care facilities saw a small uptick last week. 

From Feb. 4 to Feb. 10, there were 108 new flu outbreaks in schools, compared to 102 the previous week. There have been 525 school outbreaks so far this season. There were 12 new outbreaks in long-term care facilities, compared to 10 the week before.