GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- The number of flu cases continues to rise in Wisconsin, according to state health officials.
Federal health officials have called this the worst flu season for children in a decade. Wisconsin reported its second pediatric flu death of the season on Thursday. Local health experts said the flu continues to impact all ages from patients just a couple weeks old to 90 year old patients.
"So far this flu season, we're seeing about 100 patients a week with mostly Influenza B," said Dr. Nels Rose, an emergency medicine physician with BayCare Clinic.
Prevea Health is also reporting a high number of flu cases. They told NBC 26 that so far, they've seen 260 cases at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and 40 flu-related hospitalizations. That's compared to last year at this time, when they said they saw 37 flu cases and 16 flu-related hospitalizations. HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center has seen 157 cases of flu with 9 flu-related hospitalizations. Last year at this time, they said they saw 59 flu cases with 8 flu-related hospitalizations. Prevea Health also said its medical centers across the state have seen 843 cases of the flu compared to 127 at this time last year.
"With these high numbers, it's cause for concern. We've had 31 deaths so far in Wisconsin. Two of which have been children," said Ken Nelson, the Chief Nursing Officer for HSHS St. Vincent and St. Mary's Hospitals.
Bellin Health told NBC 26 they've seen 1,190 positive cases of Influenza A and B. 27 patients had to be hospitalized.
ThedaCare said so far this year, they have seen 38 influenza hospitalizations.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said we are not at the peak of flu season yet but are approaching it.
Medical experts are reminding people the importance of getting the flu vaccine.basic hygiene and staying home if symptoms develop.
