Delaware health officials say that the flu season has killed a fourth person with 650 cases confirmed in just one week.
An 82-year-old Sussex County man died from the flu last week
The Wilmington News Journal reports that state officials says the number of flu-related hospitalizations has jumped from 158 at this time last year to 398 for this season.
It has been one of the worst flu seasons in the last five years for the First State with nearly 2-thousand cases as of late last month.
State health officials say the number of those who have been hit with the flu is probably higher since many do not report their symptoms.
Maryland
BALTIMORE (AP) - The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed the first influenza-associated pediatric death for this flu season in the state.
The department confirmed the death in a news release but said it can't discuss the specifics of individual cases. The release says Influenza-associated pediatric deaths are required to be reported to the department.
Maryland public health officials have detected a marked increase in influenza activity since mid to late December and are warning the public to take measures to prevent influenza, especially by getting the influenza vaccine.
News outlets report that the death comes during a particularly challenging flu season nationwide, with the disease causing the deaths of dozens of children.
Officials encouraged residents to participate in the state's flu tracking survey by visiting flusurvey.health.maryland.gov
