State records two more flu-related deaths

Two more people died from flu-related complications, the state said a release late Wednesday.

That makes three flu-related deaths so far this influenza season.

Most recently, a 58-year-old woman died after contracting the H1N1 influenza A virus, also known as swine flu, and a 69-year-old man infected with a nonspecific influenza A died. Both were New Castle County residents and had existing health conditions, the Delaware Division of Public Health said.

“DPH is keeping in our thoughts and prayers the families and loved ones who lost someone to flu last week,” said Delaware Division of Public Health Deputy Director Crystal Webb in a statement. “The flu season is clearly not over, and taking precautions is still important."

STORY: Delaware records first flu-related death

Flu cases in Delaware, and around the country, continue to have a late peak. The influenza A strain and influenza A/2009 H1N1 are the most commonly confirmed cases, according to weekly surveillance data.

Late peaks are not unheard of, but they can be unusual, said Jennifer Brestel, community relations officer for the Division of Public Health, adding that the state hasn't seen such a late peak in over four years.

The rise in cases late in the season illustrates just how unpredictable the flu is, and why it’s important for people to still take precautions, including getting their flu shot, Brestel said.

There have been a total of 1,138 lab-confirmed cases throughout the state. Nationally, there have been 39,486 reported cases, with 4,816 in one week.

Delaware officials tallied 306 new flu cases from March 13 through March 19. About 215 were reported in New Castle County, 59 in Kent County and 32 in Sussex County.

Though there have been a late surge of cases, the season is not as deadly as last year.

Last year's flu season, which ended in May, saw close to 2,400 medically confirmed cases of the flu and 28 deaths, the highest in five years.

Officials are still urging the public to get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccines are available through state service centers, medical providers, pharmacies and some grocery stores.

Take simple precautionary measures against the flu everyday such as washing hands, using hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home when sick

Check dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/fluclinics.html for more information on flu clinics, visit flu.delaware.gov or call the Division of Public Health at (888) 282-8672.

Jen Rini can be reached at (302) 324-2386 or jrini@delawareonline.com. Follow @JenRini on Twitter.