Flu cases up 9 percent in southwestern Pennsylvania

The number of flu cases in southwestern Pennsylvania has increased, but not as fast as it has been in recent weeks.

In the seven-county region, the number of reported cases rose by nine percent, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported. That’s down from 17 percent the previous week.

Nearly one-third of Pennsylvania's flu cases are in southwestern Pennsylvania, according to the Department of Health.

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As flu season continues, however, a new survey found fewer than half of Americans -- 43 percent -- plan to get a flu shot. Reasons vary, but 74 percent of those people said they won't get one because they don't think it will work or it will make them sick.

The survey also found that 66 percent of people think a flu shot should be mandatory in public schools, and just over 50 percent think employers should make their workers get the shot.

First flu-related death reported in Allegheny County this season First flu-related death reported in Allegheny County this season

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