Connecticut flu deaths rise to 77

Two more deaths associated with the flu have been reported, bringing the seasonal total to 77.

With two more flulinked deaths statewide in the 18th week of the year, the flu remains widespread throughout Connecticut.

Last season there were 154 flu-associated deaths from the illness in Connecticut — including at least three children. Nationwide, more than

80,000 people died as a result of the flu last season.

The state Department of Public Health released its weekly report about influenza on Thursday, saying that nearly 1,000 flu-positive lab tests have been reported during the current flu season, from Aug.

26, 2018, to May 4.

Of those 77 flu-related deaths in Connecticut during this season, a majority were among people over the age of 65 (52 deaths). That was followed by 20 among people between the ages of 50 and 64, four deaths of people between the ages of 25 and 49 and one death of a person between the ages of 5 and 17.

There have been 10,038 flu-positive lab tests reported during the current season. Of those lab tests, most of them were from New Haven County (3,169), Hartford County ((2,256), Fairfield County (1,857), New London (891), Litchfield (606), Middlesex

(555), Windham (322), Tolland (220), and 162 in which the location was not clear.

Of the 10,038 total positive reports, 8,490 were influenza A.

There is, however, some good news: The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the “fever/flu syndrome” has decreased from 5.4 percent in week

17 to 5.2 percent in week

18.