The number of Massachusetts residents with the flu has increased 44 percent since the end of December, according to the state Department of Public Health.
About 220 people statewide came down with the flu in Massachusetts within the last two weeks – bringing the total to 502 since November.
Berkshire Health Systems says about 20 were admitted to Berkshire Medical Center during that time span. All told, there were 50 cases in the county.
Health officials statewide are urging vaccination and prevention. BHS has implemented visitor restrictions to BMC and its Hillcrest location in Pittsfield, Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, and its North Adams campus to prevent the flu from spreading to patients.
Individuals under the age of 18 or those who have flu-like symptoms are asked not visit patients at those facilities.
