STATE COLLEGE —
Flu cases are mounting in Pennsylvania, and 22 deaths have been attributed to the illness, state health officials said.
The number of cases could continue to spike because the flu season typically doesn’t peak for at least another couple weeks.
The health department’s data Tuesday reported just 20 confirmed flu cases in Lawrence County. This figure is updated every Tuesday.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health designated flu as now “widespread” throughout the commonwealth. There have been more than 11,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in the state since the flu season began in mid-December, with nearly 4,300 of those reported last week alone.
The Health Department’s flu-tracking website — www.flufreepa.com — said “widespread” is the highest category for tracking the virus. That means there have been outbreaks or increases in flu-like or “laboratory-confirmed influenza in at least half the regions of the state with recent laboratory evidence of influenza in the state.”
Eighteen of the 22 flu-related deaths statewide were reported in the past week, the health department said in statistics updated Tuesday. The majority were reported among Pennsylvanians older than 65, but two involved “otherwise healthy young individuals” under 50, the state said.
An infant died last weekend from flu-related symptoms, said Matthew Burns, a spokesman for the Lehigh Valley Health Network. The state update said no pediatric flu-related death had been reported.
The state also reported 971 flu-related hospitalizations.
The Lehigh Valley medical system’s Cedar Crest location recently set up a secondary emergency department in a “mobile surge tent” outside the hospital in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. The hospital directed patients experiencing flu-like symptoms to report to the main emergency room entrance for assessment before being escorted to a treatment area.
A flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza, the health system said in guidelines posted on its website.
Experts advise people to stay home if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches and headaches. Other recommendations from the Lehigh Valley Health Network include disinfecting common areas in the home or work area daily, and using hand sanitizer frequently.
Closer Look
Related Photos
Discussion
Health department: Flu widespread in state
- Closer Look
-
-
Blessing, repairs set for cemetery
The former Harbor Presbyterian Church in Mahoning Township dissolved in 2005. Now all that remains is its cemetery. Harbor Bridge Cemetery has been in existence since 1850. Charles Ellenberger said that at one point, grass had grown so tall there that you couldn’t even tell a cemetery was there.
-
Our Opinion: Lousy voter turnout is a missed opportunity
Tuesday’s primary in Lawrence County had its share of winners and losers. But — based on the numbers — the biggest winner has to be voter apathy. Countywide, voter turnout in the primary was a whopping 17.1 percent. In case you missed it, our use of the term “whopping” is sarcasm.
-
Governor signs bill for health clinic funds
Gov. Tom Corbett has signed into law a bill that would provide $4 million for grants for community health clinics with at least 70 percent of that money directed toward the state’s smallest counties.
-
On The Record: Today’s births, police items and district judge reports
On the Record is a periodic update of public information coming out of the Lawrence County Government Center and local police departments. Look inside for the latest listing of police items and district judge reports.
-
Vo-tech budget loses support
Now there are only two. That is the number of school districts that have approved the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center budget for the 2013-14 year after Union board’s withdrew support this week.
-
County starts drug takeback program
Lawrence County’s district attorney is initiating a drug takeback program for local residents to turn in unused or expired medications.
-
Mom’s donates rolls to tornado victims
A local pepperoni roll company has found a way to help victims of the Oklahoma tornado. Leslie Pratt, owner of Mom’s Whole Foods, is sending about 1,700 pepperoni rolls to the ravaged area this weekend to help provide food for the tornado victims as they continue to sift through the rubble of what were once their homes.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the Shenango High prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, Shenango High.
-
Photo Gallery: Some powerful and heartbreaking images from tornado aftermath
Oklahoma City-based AP photographer Sue Ogrocki was at the Plaza Towers Elementary School, which was destroyed, and saw rescuers pulling children out of the rubble. This is her account of what she witnessed, including some of her most powerful — and heartbreaking — images.
-
Photo Gallery, Story: Laurel senior county’s new dairy princess
The two candidates cross their fingers and the crowd goes silent, awaiting the verdict. And the 2013-2014 Lawrence County Dairy Princess is — Rhonda Mitcheltree!
- More Closer Look Headlines
-
