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Last modified: Monday, March 24, 2008 10:49 AM CDT
Two in Minnesota die from flu-like illness
by Jennifer Johnson, Daily News
The Minnesota Health Department is currently investigating the deaths of two people in the same family who both suffered an influenza-like illness, according to the Associated Press.
A father and son who lived in a northern Minnesota town died within days of each other this past week from flu-like symptoms. It is not clear if the two men, who were between the ages of 40 and 70, died of the flu or a secondary infection.
Wilkin County Public Health Director Deb Jacobs offered no comment, as the department is waiting for further information from the state office.
Earlier this month, a 12-year-old girl in the Twin Cities metro area died of the flu, marking the first flu-related death of the 2007-08 season.
North Dakota has also just reported they have more flu cases than last year, but the number is expected to go down. Michelle Feist, the state influenza coordinator, said the flu season peaked in late February.
The latest figures reveal 2,692 cases of the flu in the state, which is 323 more than last year.
Richland County had 67 total cases in March. Cass County had the highest numbers, reporting 557 cases. Burleigh County followed with 407 cases, Morton with 176 and Grand Forks County with 162.
In North Dakota, 54 people have been hospitalized because of the flu.
The Minnesota Department of Health stresses that basic actions, such as washing hands frequently and covering the nose and mouth upon sneezing and coughing, can help reduce the risk and spread of influenza.
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