Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Flu cases on the rise in Delaware

Delaware Public Media

The First State is seeing a spike in flu cases.

The Delaware Division of Public Health reports there were 142 lab-confirmed cases locally for the week ending December 30, 2017 – a 48 percent jump over the previous week.

DPH says Delaware is now one of 46 states reporting widespread flu activity.

So far this flu season, the state has seen 370 lab-confirmed flu cases.  Those cases have led to 95 hospitalizations and two deaths. 

DPH continues to urge those who have not gotten a flu shot to get one, and those at high-risk for complications experiencing symptoms to contact their primary care physician immediately.

"With a 48 percent increase in flu cases during this past week, I urge Delawareans to take the flu seriously, and if you have not already done so, to get your flu vaccine as soon as possible,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement. “January is not too late to get a flu shot, and in fact, as long as flu is still circulating in the community, those who have not received a shot can still get one.”

State health officials are also encouraging medical providers to begin antiviral treatment for all hospitalized flu patients and all high-risk patients they suspect have the flu.

Tom Byrne has been a fixture covering news in Delaware for three decades. He joined Delaware Public Media in 2010 as our first news director and has guided the news team ever since. When he's not covering the news, he can be found reading history or pursuing his love of all things athletic.