Early Start to Flu Season Results in Third Death

   ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A third Minnesotan under the age of 18 has died of the flu.

The Minnesota Department of Health officials confirmed the death Wednesday. It's the third pediatric death since flu season began.

State infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann tells reporters the child may have had other health conditions. But Ehresmann says it's clear flu season is hitting early and hard.

Flu season generally peaks in January or February. Ehresmann says flu outbreaks were reported at 281 Minnesota schools last week - close to the record set during the 2009 pandemic.