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19 additional flu deaths reported in the Carolinas

RALEIGH, N.C. — Last week turned out to be the deadliest so far this flu season for North Carolina.

State health officials said 11 more people died from the virus last week, and the statewide total is now up to 44 since October.

South Carolina reported eight additional flu deaths last week, bringing this season's death toll from the illness to 49 people.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control said all eight who died last week were adults. All but two of the flu deaths in South Carolina since the flu season began have been in adults. The latest reporting period ended Monday.

Thirty of the flu deaths this season have been in people ages 18 and 64.

More than 1,300 people have been hospitalized with the flu in South Carolina since September. About 25,000 cases have been reported.

Flu activity is expected to peak over the next few weeks.