Pennsylvania reports 9 new flu deaths

The number of flu-related deaths in Pennsylvania this season has reached 83, up by nine in the past week, according to data the state Department of Health released Tuesday.

Most of the deaths, 56, were in those age 65 and older. Six of the new deaths were in that age group.

The state does not disclose where deaths occurred.

The state started monitoring for the flu Sept. 29 and will continue to do so through May 16.

For the week ending March 7, there were more than 115,000 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Pennsylvania, up by 9% from the week before.

Type A cases increased by 15% to almost 51,600 , accounting for 45% of the state total. Type B cases increased by 4%, to nearly 62,000, accounting for 54% of all cases.

“A few weeks ago, we began to see a second wave of influenza A cases, and that trend has continued throughout this flu season,” health department spokeswoman Brittany Lauffer said. “Influenza A typically affects the very young and very old, which is why it is so important that people are aware that flu season is not over yet and they need to be taking extra precautions.”

There have been 2,800 flu-associated hospitalizations this season to-date, a 12% increase from the week before.

In the seven-county Pittsburgh area — Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties — cases increased by 8% to nearly 23,900, accounting for 21% of the state total.

Allegheny County continues to lead the state with the most confirmed flu cases, standing at nearly 12,500, up 8% from the week before.

As of the week ending Feb. 29, there have been 12 deaths from the flu in Allegheny County, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.

“Flu season may very well continue through late spring,” Lauffer said. “Especially with other viruses circulating, Pennsylvanians need to be vigilant about protecting their health and the health of those around them. They can do that by washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering any coughs or sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces frequently and staying home if you are sick until you feel better.”