Flu outbreak hits Conn. veterans home

HARTFORD, Conn. — An outbreak of influenza at the state veterans' home in Rocky Hill has sent 18 veterans to the hospital, with six being diagnosed with a special strain of flu.

State Veterans' Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz tells The Associated Press the veterans were taken to Hartford Hospital on Monday after a number began complaining of flu-like symptoms. The 18 men live at the Connecticut State Veterans Home in either a health center or a residential facility.

The six diagnosed veterans came from the health care facility, and are frail and elderly. Schwartz said they are in stable condition.

Schwartz said the veterans had previously been inoculated against influenza, but not this strain. State public health officials believe this is a case of delayed seasonal influenza.