Local

3 more people die of the flu in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — (AP) — Three people died of the flu in North Carolina last week, down from the previous week and a sign that the illness is in decline.

In all, the state Department of Health and Human Services says 85 people have died from the flu since the season began in November.

Deaths from the flu peaked in late January, when 12 were reported in one week. A year ago, 59 people died from flu-related symptoms during the six-month season that concludes in mid-May.

Of the 85 deaths, 61 were among people between the ages of 24 and 65. Statistics show 19 people aged 65 or older died from flu-like symptoms and five were under age 18.