AUGUSTA (AP) – The number of flu cases has grown this week with cases being reported across the state, officials said Thursday.

Medical providers participating in a program that monitors influenza reported that an average of 7 percent of all patient visits last week were for flu-like illnesses, up from 1 percent in the previous week.

“We are continuing to monitor influenza activity in Maine, and we continue to work closely with health care providers across the state,” said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director of the Maine Bureau of Health.

She noted that in Maine, unlike some western States, there have not been any reports of serious complications in children.

The Department of Human Services has been scrambling to find more vaccine after acknowledging last week that there were shortages, especially in pediatric offices, where children were being put on waiting lists.

The state currently has limited supplies of vaccine after obtaining 1,000 doses over the past several days. The state is expecting another 500 doses in the next three weeks.