INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The seasonal flu outbreak that has killed 40 people so far in Indiana is the state's deadliest in half a decade.
State records show that past years have been tamer, with only three people dying of flu last season. The last such severe flu outbreak occurred during the 2007-2008 season when 73 people died of the illness.
State health officials say it's too soon to tell whether the spread of flu has peaked yet this season. Flu season typically runs from October to May.
The deadliest flu season since 2000 was the 2003-2004 outbreak when 91 people died in Indiana.
State epidemiologist Pamela Pontones says flu virus strains change every year, so it can be very difficult to predict the severity of each season.
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