The number of flu related deaths in Delaware this season is now into double digits.
The state’s Division of Public Health reports three new deaths linked to the flu.
An 83-year-old New Castle County woman, a 77-year-old Kent County and a 76-year-old Sussex County woman died earlier this month. Each had underlying health conditions in addition to having the flu.
Their deaths bring the state’s flu-related death total to 11 this season; nearly double the six deaths in Delaware all last season – but still significantly lower than the 2014-2015 season when 28 deaths in the First State were connected to the flu.
The First State is seeing a significant spike in flu cases. The number of confirmed cases statewide is the highest it’s been in over a decade. DPH reports that as of March 18, it saw 3,366 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, 1,115 more than a year ago.
New Castle County has been hit hardest – seeing nearly 50 percent of those flu cases (1,650). 30 percent (1,013) have come in Kent County and 21 percent (731) in Sussex.
“This year’s flu numbers confirm we have often said about the flu—it’s an unpredictable disease and can impact people differently every year,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement. “Given we know that we are seeing the highest number of cases in a decade, its important the people continue to take precautions to prevent the illness.”
And state health officials note that while this is the time of year the flu season starting winding down, the flu's impact can linger. Last year, the state saw three flu-related deaths in April.
