2 Michigan children die during early flu outbreak

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Health officials say two children have died from the flu in Michigan as statewide influenza cases rise.

Angela Minicuci, public information officer for the Michigan Department of Community Health, says an infant from southwest Michigan and an adolescent from central Michigan were reported last week to the state. No further information was available.

As of Dec. 20, 149 confirmed cases of the flu were reported in Michigan, up from 63 the previous week.

Minicuci tells the Detroit Free Press that Michigan's current caseload is typically not seen until the end of January or February. She says most cases were in the southern Michigan.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms that include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, stuffy or runny nose and muscle aches.