After a two-week respite, Pennsylvania reported an increase in flu-related deaths in the past week, according to the state Department of Health.

As of the week ending Jan. 25, a total of 33 flu-related deaths have been reported this flu season, which started Sept. 29. That’s up by nine from the 24 deaths the health department reported for the weeks ending Jan. 11 and 18.

The deaths were spread across three age categories. There were two additional deaths in the 19-to-49 age group, for a total of four; one new death in the age 50-to-64, for a total of five; and six more deaths in the age 65 and over group, for a total of 24.

The state does not disclose where deaths occurred.

There have been no deaths in the youngest age category, up to age 18.

“A flu-associated death is a death in which flu was one of the causes, although it may not be the main cause,” health department spokeswoman Brittany Lauffer said. “We cannot stress enough that the flu can be severe and deadly. If you have not yet received your flu vaccine, it is not too late to receive it.”

Flu-related hospitalizations increased by 30% to 1,089 in the latest report.

Statewide, laboratory-confirmed influenza cases increased by 23% in the past week to 48,510, the department reported.

While influenza type B continues to account for the majority of cases, 67%, cases of influenza type A increased at a faster rate. While type B cases increased by 20% to 32,598, type A cases increased by 32% to 14,893.

“It is still too early to know if we hit the peak of flu season yet, and we may see an even greater increase in influenza A in the weeks to come,” Lauffer said.

In the seven-county Pittsburgh area, flu cases increased by 9% to 13,798. The region accounts for 28% of the state’s total cases.

Allegheny County, which has had more confirmed flu cases than any other county this season, continues to lead the state with 7,226 cases, up 8%.

Montgomery County is a distant second with 3,296 cases, which is up 28% from the week before.

Armstrong County saw the biggest percentage increase in cases, with a 31% jump to 297.

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