New York Needs Feds' Help To Slow Flu Outbreak, Schumer Says

NEW YORK, NY — New York needs federal help to staunch a statewide flu outbreak that's showing no signs of slowing down, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Sunday.

The virus has put more than 6,800 New Yorkers in the hospital since flu season began in October — including a record-setting 1,759 in the single week ending Jan. 20, according to state Department of Health data. The flu sickened more than 7,700 people across the state that week, a 28 percent increase from the week before.

Schumer sent a letter asking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to send a flu surveillance team to the state. The agency could monitor the outbreak, determine what strains of influenza are causing it and help state health officials slow it down, Schumer said.

"A New York specific flu surveillance team would help take the state’s temperature on the epidemic and help break its fever," Schumer, a Democrat, said in a statement Sunday. "With record-setting highs this season, it’s absolutely critical that New York have the resources it needs to track the flu’s path, gather intelligence and combat this powerful virus."

New York City reported about 35 cases per 100,000 people as of Jan. 20, while the state's central region recorded nearly 50, state figures show.

The flu has been running rampant in New York for weeks, but the state isn't alone. The virus is widespread in 49 states and Puerto Rico and has killed 37 children across the U.S., according to the CDC. This is the most flu activity the nation has seen since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, CDC officials said last week.

State officials have urged New Yorkers to get flu shots as soon as possible if they haven't already. Seniors who are 65 or older, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions are most vulnerable to the virus, health officials say.

To increase access to the vaccine, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order Friday allowing pharmacists to vaccinate kids between 2 and 18 years old.

"As number of flu cases continues to rise throughout the state, it is imperative that we make it as easy as possible for New Yorkers to get the flu vaccine to protect themselves, their families, and their communities this season," state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a statement.

Here's a map showing where you can get a flu shot.

(Lead image: A flu shot is displayed in San Francisco, California on Jan. 9. Photo by Jeff Chiu/Associated Press)