PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island health officials say an early spike in influenza cases appears to be subsiding

But the state’s Department of Health also warned Friday that the number of cases could rise again before the official end of flu season this spring. Health department director Michael Fine says it remains important for residents who aren’t vaccinated to get immunized against the flu.

The state says nearly 8,000 people with flu-like illness have visited emergency rooms in Rhode Island since Dec. 10.