(AP & WXXI News) Counties across New York State are getting extra financial support to battle the influenza epidemic as the number of confirmed flu cases continues to rise.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that he's directing the Department of Health to provide reimbursement to local health departments in 57 counties and New York City to help them fund additional campaigns to promote and increase flu vaccines.
Cuomo says the move is aimed at accommodating New Yorkers still needing a flu shot.
State health officials say the number of lab-confirmed flu cases continues to rise, with 15,750 reported since last week, including about 2,350 who needed hospitalization.
Those are the highest weekly numbers since the epidemic began nine weeks ago. More than 52,000 cases of the flu have been confirmed statewide since Feb. 3.
Cases have been on the rise in Monroe County as well. The latest numbers show the county has confirmed 9 deaths related to the flu so far this season.
