WKBT La Crosse, WI-NewsChannel 8-Wisconsin confirms 11 H1N1 flu deaths in last week

Wisconsin confirms 11 H1N1 flu deaths in last week

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- State health officials are confirming 11 more deaths related to the H1N1 flu in Wisconsin.

The Department of Health Services said Wednesday the deaths were confirmed in the past week across the state, bringing to 31 the number of deaths statewide since last spring.

The new deaths includes two each in Dane and Portage counties, and single cases in Jefferson, Kenosha, Marathon, Oconto, Ozaukee, Racine and Waupaca counties.

The department say H1N1 flu cases are modestly decreasing across the state, but the presence of the virus still remains widespread.

Minnesota health officials are reporting five new deaths from H1N1 flu.

The state Department of Health says 26 Minnesotans have died from confirmed H1N1 flu cases since the virus appeared in the state, with another two deaths from unspecified flu like illnesses.

Nine schools reported outbreaks in the past week, compared with 40 schools the week before. Two nursing homes also had outbreaks.

State Health Commissioner Sanne Magnan told WCCO-AM the update is good news. She says the state is on the down side of the second wave of the virus.

Magnan says that leaves time to get people vaccinated in case a third wave comes. She says that's likely after the first of the year.