Officials: Flu season has peaked in Minnesota, deaths top 100 statewide

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Health officials say the worst of the flu season is likely over in Minnesota.

Kris Ehresmann, the state Health Department's infectious disease director, said Thursday the illness has peaked in Minnesota.

The number of flu-related hospitalizations and outbreaks dropped for the third week in a row.

Minnesota reported 135 hospitalizations last week, compared with 628 just three weeks before. Schools reported 36 outbreaks, compared with 112 the previous week.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports flu deaths, however, were up. The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed 36 deaths in the week that ended Jan. 26, but Ehresmann says some of those occurred earlier.

Minnesota has seen 112 total deaths during this flu season, and 2,367 hospitalizations.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.