DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware health officials say the state is seeing a record number of influenza cases and deaths this flu season.
Officials announced Thursday that there have been 2,309 lab-confirmed flu cases so far this season. That surpasses the 2,247 cases confirmed in the 2009-2010 H1N1 outbreak dubbed "swine flu."
Delaware has also had 28 flu deaths this season, which is four times the most recent high of seven deaths in the 2009-2010 season. Health officials say all but four of those who died this season were over age 65, and the remaining four were in their 50s. All 28 had underlying medical conditions.
Delaware Public Health Division Director Dr. Karyl Rattay says flu's constant presence and unpredictability make precautions and prevention efforts so important every year.
