Confirmed flu cases fell off in Pennsylvania in the week ending Saturday, although the state also logged 11 more flu-related deaths, raising the total to 24 for the season.
The state health department received reports of more than 7,000 confirmed flu cases about two weeks ago and a similar amount the following week. But nearly 2,000 fewer cases were reported during the most recent week.
All told, the department has recorded 32,322 confirmed cases for the flu season that began at the end of October. That number is considered far lower than the actual number of flu cases in Pennsylvania, since most people who get the flu don’t get tested.
The 24 deaths involve 18 people who were 65 or older, four between the ages of 50 and 64, and two between the ages of 19 and 49, according to the health department.
Last year, the flu was blamed for 133 deaths in Pennsylvania, with 87 involving people over 65. The year before that, Pennsylvania set a modern state record with 256 flu-related deaths.
Doctors continue to urge people who haven’t had a flu shot to get one, noting the flu could well stick around until April.