For the first time in about a month, the number of new confirmed flu cases in Monroe County have dropped from the previous week.
The latest weekly numbers show 540 new cases of flu, down from 715 the week before. And the total number of deaths so far this flu season remains at 11. There has not been a flu related death since the week that ended on February 10th.
Monroe County health department spokesman John Ricci says it may be too early to call it a trend, but it is a positive sign.
“We are hopeful, cautiously hopeful, I know nationwide, and even statewide, we’re seeing similar things so, that should bode well. But even with the numbers lower, they’re still will be flu circulating for a number of weeks ahead,” Ricci told WXXI News.
But one statistic did increase in Monroe County for the latest week; hospitalizations related to the flu increased.
Last weekend the Centers for Disease Control showed that flu activity was down significantly for the second consecutive week, and recently Governor Cuomo said that statewide, the number of confirmed flu cases has declined.
Health officials caution there is still flu around, and people should still do all of the best practices that have been talked about during the season, including frequent handwashing and staying home if you have flu symptoms.
