Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a health emergency in New York over the flu outbreak, which has affected in excess of 19,000 people within the state alone.

In an attempt to minimize the spread of the potentially deadly virus, Cuomo stated that for the next 30 days, he would suspend a legal restriction that prevents the administering of flu vaccines to patients younger than 18.

On Saturday, the Governor made a public statement in the midst of the nation's serious epidemic, which is slated to last several weeks longer.

"We are expecting the worst flu season since at least 2009, and influenza activity in New York State is widespread, with cases reported in all 57 counties and all five boroughs of New York City," he said.

"Therefore, I have directed my administration, the state health department and others to marshal all needed resources to address this public health emergency and remove all barriers to ensure that all New Yorkers - children and adults alike - have access to critically needed flu vaccines," Cuomo added.

This past Wednesday, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared a public-health emergency after its health officials confirmed that there were 700 cases of the influenza in the popular city, which was 10 times greater than the quantity in 2012.

To date this season, 20 children have been reported dead from the sickness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although there have now been 28,747 cases reported across the United States, the number is most likely not accurate, as numerous individuals inevitably opt to not get tested. 

In the state of New York alone, 19,128 cases of the illness have been confirmed. The latest number is a considerable increase from the 4,404 of the 2011-12 flu season.

In the statement, Cuomo also urged New Yorkers to get their flu shots if they haven't already did so.

"It is not too late to get a vaccination," he said.

Tags: flu season offbeat