KENT COUNTY, Mich. -- The Kent County Health Department said that nine deaths might be related to the flu virus.
All of the victims did have pre-existing conditions, according to health officials.
Kent County also added more than 600 new cases of the flu virus as of January 3, 2015. Kent County's flu case total is now more than 1,600.
Experts said that they were expecting a spike in flu illnesses once students returned to school from their holiday break.
Health officials said that a mutated strain of the flu virus has made the illness harder to prevent.
The Kent County Health Department also wants to remind everyone to check on the elderly during flu season.
