SAN DIEGO–A total of 616 lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported last week, setting a new high for weekly totals this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday.
Also, three additional deaths were reported last week, bringing this season’s total to 45. In comparison, 288 flu fatalities had been reported at the same time last year.
The three new deaths were a 44-year-old man from North County, a 101-year-old woman from San Diego and a 33-year-old man from East County. All had underlying medical conditions.
“Given the high number of cases that continue to be reported, influenza continues to be widespread throughout the community,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “It is not too late to get a flu shot.”
A total of 6,094 influenza cases have been reported this season. During the same time last season, a total of 18,137 flu cases had been reported. The number of people at emergency departments with influenza-like symptoms remained at 6 percent last week.
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.
