ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota's death toll from influenza this season has climbed to 176.

The Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday seven more influenza-related deaths were confirmed last week.

The 176 deaths are the most the state has recorded in at least five flu seasons. Comparisons before that time are limited due to a change in the way the state Health Department calculates flu deaths.

Flu illnesses continue to decrease. Last week 37 people were hospitalized in Minnesota. One long-term care facility reported a flu outbreak, as did two schools.

 

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