134 Minnesota schools report H1N1 outbreaks
The state Health Department reports H1N1 flu outbreaks in 134 schools in 67 Minnesota counties, with the heaviest concentration in the seven-county metropolitan area.
The information released Wednesday is current through Sept. 26. There has been a steady climb in the number of affected schools, from 67 by Sept. 19 to 123 as of Sept. 22.
The Health Department has been tracking flu outbreaks in schools for some time, but just recently began reporting such outbreaks by county.
The department defines a school outbreak as when at least 5 percent of students are absent with a flu-like illness or at least three students are out from the same elementary school classroom.
Since May, more than 300 people in Minnesota have been hospitalized with H1N1, also known as swine flu. Three have died.
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