Washington flu deaths increase to 46

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Health officials say the number of flu deaths in Washington state is up to 46.

The Washington State Department of Health says the flu is now at an epidemic level in the state, adding that 38 of the 46 deaths occurred in people who were 65 or older.  Officials say influenza infection numbers are extremely high in Washington, as they are in many states.  Hospitalization rates in Snohomish County, for example, are nearly double the 2014-15 season, and triple what the state saw a year ago.

Officials say the number of deaths through last week is the highest it has been in the last five seasons, though the 2014-15 season saw just one fewer case at that time. (AP)

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