A total of 1,262 new flu cases have been confirmed across Pennsylvania, bringing the season tally to 97,627, and five more deaths attributed to the flu, bringing the season tally to 138, according to the state Department of Health.
Experts say only a small fraction of cases are confirmed, as many people who get the flu aren't tested.
The latest report, dated April 27, shows a season tally of 2,345 confirmed cases in Lancaster County, up 21 since last report.
The department doesn't say where in the state flu deaths happened, but per the last reports from Lancaster County hospitals there have been seven here. Three were women, one in the 65+ age group and two in the 50-64 age group, and three were men, both in the 65+ age group; LNP was not given an age and gender for the seventh.
Of the people who have died statewide, the department reported two were in the 0-18 age group; 13 were in the 19-49 age group; 33 were in the 50-64 age group; and 90 were age 65 or older.
A preliminary estimate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recently says this season the flu shot is 47 percent effective in preventing illness severe enough to send someone to the doctor's office. Last season's preliminary estimate was 36 percent.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot each year, with rare exceptions.
It’s National Infant Immunization Week! Protect your baby from 14 serious diseases by age 2—find out how → https://t.co/BGEg2ftPbH #NIIW #ivax2protect pic.twitter.com/0ICWCNd9K7
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) April 29, 2019
The latest CDC #FluView report indicates that the 2018-2019 #fluseason is winding down. For the first time in 22 weeks, the level of flu-like illness in the U.S. is below the national baseline. https://t.co/d7ZpbN4Iaw pic.twitter.com/EDkXiGEd6H
— CDC Flu (@CDCFlu) April 29, 2019
Five more 2018-19 flu deaths in kids were reported in the latest CDC #FluView for a season total of 96, but the actual number is likely higher. Last season, while 186 deaths were reported, CDC estimates that 600+ children died from flu: https://t.co/S3KxLJULbV pic.twitter.com/tnS9QonR0z
— CDC Flu (@CDCFlu) April 29, 2019