Flu Outbreak Gets Even Worse In NY, Latest Figures Show

NEW YORK, NY – The flu outbreak that has already killed two New York City children is getting even worse with latest figures showing another 15,753 cases reported in the state in a week. That's up 35% percent on what was already a record-breaking influenza season.

Of them, 2,349 people were hospitalized.

The latest figures, released by the state's Department of Health on Friday, covered cases reported in the week ending Feb. 3.

In New York City there were 6,099 cases confirmed that week, taking the total for the season so far to 19,333. That's 1,817 more cases than the week before.

An 8-year-old girl died Monday in Queens, days after being diagnosed with the illness, the city confirmed. A second child has also died in the city recently, though few details were released.

Health officials have urged New Yorkers to get flu shots if they haven't already. They say it's still effective even as the flu season enters its later months. While some pharmacies may be running out, city and state officials say there's no widespread shortage of the vaccine.

Here's a map showing where you can get a flu shot if you still need one.

(Lead image: A registered nurse prepares a flu vaccine in Georgia on Feb. 5. Photo by David Goldman/Associated Press)