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First State reports second flu death, uptick in cases

Delaware Public Media

Delaware has its second flu-related death of the 2016-2017 season.

 

The latest victim is a 98-year-old New Castle County woman with multiple underlying medical conditions. 

 

She died earlier this week after being diagnosed with Influenza A.

State health officials report Delaware has 199 lab confirmed cases of the flu so far this season.  That’s way ahead of the number this time a year ago when only 16 confirmed cases were reported.

93 of the cases – and both flu related deaths - have been in New Castle County.  Kent County has had 70 cases and Sussex has seen 36.

And of the nearly 200 confirmed cases, 54 people have been hospitalized. That’s up from 3 this time last year.

The state’s Department of Health continues to urge people to get a flu shot.  It also recommends washing your hands often, covering your coughs and staying home when you feel sick also help limit the flu from spreading.

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