One hundred and twenty-two new cases of flu were reported across Northeast Pennsylvania last week, bringing the total of cases in the region to a reported 1,460 - part of a widespread increase of lab-confirmed cases across Pennsylvania.
There were 3,683 cases reported from Jan. 20-26, bringing the total of cases reported across the state to more than 27,700 since the beginning of flu season in October.
Twenty new cases were reported in Lackawanna County, according to data released by the state Department of Health.
One flu-related death was reported in Luzerne County, the only death in the region reported last week.
Although many hospitals across the state reported fewer emergency room visits last week compared to earlier in the flu season, activity remains above average - including in Commonwealth Health hospitals in Scranton, which are seeing a spike in emergency room visits among people with the flu.
There have been general increases among all health care facilities, spokesman Jim McGuire said.
At Geisinger Community Medical Center, the emergency department has remained busy on a day-to-day basis, but not nearly as busy with flu patients as it was two weeks ago, said spokeswoman Wendy Wilson. The numbers seem to be leveling off, she added.
Because flu activity may continue into spring, it's not too late to get a flu shot.
Vaccine is especially a good idea for people at higher risk for developing complications. That group includes children younger than 5, adults older than 65, pregnant women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, according to a statement from Commonwealth Health.
Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on TwitterNew flu review
New cases of flu reported in Northeast Pennsylvania counties, Jan. 20-26:
-âLackawanna: 20
-âLuzerne: 58
-âMonroe: 21
-âPike: 14
-âSusquehanna: 2
-âWayne: 5
-âWyoming: 2