Frederica Freyberg:

New Wisconsin flu statistics were released this afternoon. Case numbers that concern officials at the Department of Health Services. Today’s influenza status report shows 962 total diagnosed cases of flu since October. There have been a total of 622 hospitalizations for the flu. 15 Wisconsinites have died this season due to flu-related illnesses. Health Services Flu Specialist Tom Haupt put these numbers in perspective in our mid-week interview on “Noon Wednesday.”

Tom Haupt:

Well, it’s significantly higher than it was last year at this time. One big difference that we’ve seen this year is the influence the hospitalizations have really been affecting the younger population. Our highest number is between the 18 and 49-year-old range compared to previous years, where it’s always been over 65. We are seeing a higher incidence of outpatient influenza-like illnesses as well compared to previous years.

Frederica Freyberg:

Today’s health services update reports the state’s first pediatric death due to the flu.