SAN DIEGO–Seven more influenza deaths were reported locally last week, and cases also set a new high for the season, signs that influenza is still widespread in the region, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday.
The new flu deaths bring this season’s total to 42. The ages of the seven people who died from the flu ranged from 53 to 90 years of age. All had underlying medical conditions and only two had gotten vaccinated. A total of 281 flu deaths had been reported at the same time last year.
“Influenza can be deadly, especially for those with existing illnesses,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.
A total of 545 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported last week, 10 more than the week before. Also, the percentage of people who went to local emergency departments with influenza-like illness also increased to 6 percent last week.
“Influenza is still widespread in the region and continues to sicken San Diegans. Anyone who has not yet had a flu vaccine this season should get it now,” Wooten said.
The County Health and Human Services Agency publishes the weekly Influenza Watch report, which tracks key flu indicators and summarizes influenza surveillance in the region. All other indicators are at expected levels for this time of year.
