282 serious flu cases, 52 deaths

(ANSA) - Rome, February 7 - There have been 282 serious flu cases and 52 deaths, 13 in the past week, since the epidemic started last year, the Higher Health Institute's Influnet surveillance network said Thursday.
    The number of severe cases and deaths has risen over the past week, it said.
    The rate of contagion has peaked with 832,000 new cases in a week.
    Some 80% of serious cases and 85% of deaths have involved at least one pre-existing chronic illness, Influnet said.