Six more influenza deaths were reported last week in San Diego County.
That brings this flu season total to 63 according to the County Health and Human Services Agency.
The ages of those who died from flu-related illness ranged from 55 to 84 years and all had underlying medical conditions.
After two weeks of declines, the number of lab-confirmed cases increased slightly last week, when 1,637 cases were reported. In comparison, 1,520 flu cases were reported the previous week. To date, a total of 16,706 cases have been reported.
For the first time in several weeks, the number of people showing up at local emergency departments with influenza-like symptoms dropped from 8% to 7% last week.
The County Health and Human Services Agency publishes the Influenza Watch weekly report, which tracks key flu indicators and summarizes influenza surveillance in the region.
For the week ending Feb. 15, 2020, the report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 7% of all visits (compared to 8% the previous week).
- Total influenza deaths to date: 63 (compared to 35 at this time last season).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 16,706 (compared to 4,848 last season).
The county's health agency says anyone six months or older should get a flu vacccination.
(Photo credit San Diego County Newscenter)