ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - State health officials say the flu season has claimed a fifth child victim in Minnesota, but other indicators show the influenza outbreak is fading.

The Minnesota Department of Health did not identify the latest victim or say where the death occurred.

Reports say other flu indicators continued to decline last week. Flu-related hospitalizations and outbreaks in nursing homes and schools peaked weeks ago.

Minnesota's flu season was harsh and widespread early in the winter. Outbreaks closed several schools around the state in December.

Typical of winter flu seasons, a B strain of the virus has emerged late and is now commonly the cause of influenza infections. Unlike the A strain that circulated earlier, the B strain is well-matched to this year's vaccine.

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