After several weeks of increasing numbers, the rate of influenza-related deaths is slowing somewhat. Last week that count jumped from 115 to 128, but this week only five new flu-related fatalities have been announced. The total number of confirmed cases reported state-wide continues to increase, and now stands at well over 96-thousand people sickened. Allegheny County has been the hardest hit by a wide margin with over 93-hundred cases.