SAN DIEGO–Five new influenza deaths were reported last week, and flu cases went up as well, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday.
The five people who died include a 40-year-old man from North County with no underlying medical conditions and no known flu vaccination record in his medical history. The ages of the other flu deaths range from 47 to 90 years of age, and all had underlying medical conditions.
To date, a total of 54 influenza deaths have been reported in San Diego County. At the same time last season, 318 people had died from complications from the flu.
A total of 675 influenza cases were reported last week, a new high for the season. The total represents a 21 percent increase from the previous week when 536 cases were reported.
“Influenza can be deadly. People should continue getting vaccinated and taking other preventative measures, especially those at higher risk of developing complications,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “In addition to getting vaccinated, people should practice good hand hygiene.”
Due to continued elevated influenza activity in the county, the order for unvaccinated health care personnel to wear a mask while they’re in patient care areas has been extended until April 30. If influenza activity remains elevated, a further extension may be required.
