Indiana sees 15 flu deaths as outbreak continues

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- - The number of flu deaths in Indiana has risen to 15 as the state experiences what a health official calls a "moderately severe" outbreak.

Respiratory epidemiologist Shawn Richards of the Indiana State Department of Health tells WIBC that five new deaths were reported overnight. The deaths include two patients in separate long-term care facilities.

Richards says the state doesn't identify facilities with flu deaths unless there are five fatal cases of the illness.

Flu season has hit earlier this year and could put Indiana on pace to exceed its average for deaths. Richards says the state typically sees seven to 30 flu deaths a year.

Health officials say it's not too late to get flu shots.

WTHR reports Indiana is one of 41 states seeing intense flu outbreaks right now.