Story perspectives

Rochester Faces Flu Surge: 21 Deaths, Hospitals Strained

1/10/2026

35 2

Summary

Story summary

Rochester, N.Y., reported over 8,000 confirmed flu cases, 700 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths last week, bringing the total fatalities to 21.
The Finger Lakes region has more than 1,000 hospitalized flu patients, but no new deaths were recorded.
Data analyst Jim Wesley warned of a concerning flu surge similar to COVID-19 and advised limiting outings to reduce spread.
Public health commissioner Vélez de Brown expressed concerns about the healthcare system's strain due to low vaccine confidence.
Hospitals are treating flu patients across all age groups, with the elderly and very young at the highest risk.

1 of 1

Story summary

Rochester, N.Y., reported over 8,000 confirmed flu cases, 700 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths last week, bringing the total fatalities to 21.
The Finger Lakes region has more than 1,000 hospitalized flu patients, but no new deaths were recorded.
Data analyst Jim Wesley warned of a concerning flu surge similar to COVID-19 and advised limiting outings to reduce spread.
Public health commissioner Vélez de Brown expressed concerns about the healthcare system's strain due to low vaccine confidence.
Hospitals are treating flu patients across all age groups, with the elderly and very young at the highest risk.