Pennsylvania flu deaths increase by 7, cases up 24%

Pennsylvania recorded another increase in flu-associated deaths in a season that has hit Southwestern Pennsylvania particularly hard.

As of the week ending Feb. 1, flu-associated deaths increased by seven for a total of 40 this flu season, according to data released Tuesday by the state Department of Health.

Most of the deaths, 29, involved people 65 or older. Five of the seven new deaths were in that age group, while the other two were in the 19-49 age group, which has had a total of six deaths this season.

The remaining five deaths are in the 50-64 age range. There were no additional deaths in that age group last week.

No deaths have been reported in the youngest age group, up to 18.

The state does not disclose where deaths occurred.

The Allegheny County Health Department reported five deaths this flu season. Two cases involved people in their 30s, and one person was in their 40s, one was in their 70s and one was in their 90s. The department said all had underlying medical conditions.

The county will update its data on Wednesday, spokesman Ryan Scarpino said.

Statewide, laboratory-confirmed flu cases increased 24%, to 59,926, according to the Health Department. Flu-associated hospitalizations increased 20%, to 1,311.

“It is evident that we still have a long flu season to go. We cannot stress enough how important it is that people receive their flu vaccine,” Health Department spokeswoman Brittany Lauffer said. “In addition to the flu, there are a lot of other illnesses spreading. People should be actively taking preventative measures such as covering their coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces, washing their hands frequently and containing their illnesses by staying home. These simple steps can help keep you and your family safe.”

The seven-county Pittsburgh area saw a 12% increase in confirmed flu cases to 15,385. More than half of those, 8,000, are in Allegheny County, which saw an 11% increase.

The seven counties in the Pittsburgh area — Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland — account for 26% of the state’s total cases.