UPDATE: Flu-Related Deaths Now Total 127 in Minnesota

Minnesota's 2013 flu outbreak is definitely on the wane.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported Thursday afternoon that influenza killed 15 more state residents during the week of Jan. 27-Feb. 2--less than half the number of deaths reported the previous week. So far this season, a total of 127 Minnesotans have died of flu-related illness.

According to this report from the Star-Tribune, the vast majority of deaths and hospitalizations have occurred among the elderly.

Only 108 people were hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza during the Jan. 27-Feb. 2 period. Three weeks ago, 476 people were hospitalized. The MDH reported that only one long-term care facility and 19 schools reported outbreaks of influenza during the week.

Since the start of the current flu season, 136 outbreaks of influenza have been reported in long-term care facilities, and there have been 434 outbreaks reported in schools.

The City of Richfield offers some flu facts and other ways to avoid illness if you choose not to get vaccinated.

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Related articles:

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• Flu-Related Deaths Double Since Last Week
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• CDC Says Flu Rates Up in Minnesota; Where to Get Immunized in Richfield