ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — The Allegheny County Health Department confirmed Wednesday that a third person has died from the flu, as the number of cases continues to rise.
So far this season, the health department said they’ve seen 1,948 cases in the county – the most in the entire state.
“We are seeing the flu go above and beyond last year and worse than 2012,” said Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Karen A. Hacker.
Allegheny health department officials said they’re seeing a huge increase in patients being tested for the virus. In December, they tested 1,280 patients for the flu in comparison to only 432 patients in December 2013.
Officials at the health department said Pennsylvania is not alone in battling the virus with record numbers.
“We have heard from the CDC there are states worse than Pennsylvania,” said Hacker.
Allegheny health department officials said this is the prime season for the flu, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
“I work with kids, so it’s important to get the flu shot,” said Emily Russell, who has already been vaccinated. “Every bit of protection helps.”
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