St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - While the focus is on the new coronavirus emerging from China, influenza continues to sicken thousands of Minnesotans.

The weekly update on flu activity from the Minnesota Department of Health indicates there were 5 more flu-related deaths reported to state officials during the week that ended January 24th. The total since the start of the flu season now stands at 36, which includes the death of one child.

State health officials also received almost 200 reports of flu-related hospitalizations that pushed the seasonal total to nearly 1500. The preliminary numbers show 77 probable outbreaks in schools were reported to the health department in the previous week and there were 7 confirmed outbreaks reported by long-term care facilities.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From KRFO-AM