Number of flu-related fatalities continues to rise in Delaware

Delaware's Division of Public Health announced Thursday that two more Delawareans have died from influenza, marking the fourth and fifth fatalities of the current flu season.

Both victims, an 86-year-old Kent County man and a 90-year-old New Castle County man had underlying health conditions on top of their infection with the influenza virus, officials said.

Health experts are saying the number of lab-confirmed flu cases is up this year compared to the same time in 2016. Officials report that the week ending February 11th last year only had 58 lab-confirmed cases of influenza with 10 people needing to be hospitalized, while this year there were 1,296 cases with 263 hospitalizations.

Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker says influenza is often an unpredictable virus and that this season's numbers reflect that.

"Given that we see such wide variation almost every year, taking all the steps to prevent the flu is vital," Dr. Walker said. "Getting vaccinated, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill can protect you and your loved ones."

Division of Public Health Director Karyl Rattay says flu is definitely not a disease to take lightly.

"If someone has underlying health conditions, is pregnant or has a young child at home who is ill, call your doctor immediately if you have flu-like symptoms," Dr. Rattay said.

Officials encourage Delawareans over 6 months of age who haven't been vaccinated yet to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Information on vaccinations at State Service Centers can be found here and more information on influenza can be found here.