Six additional influenza deaths were reported last week in San Diego County.
The latest report brings this season’s flu death total to 86. Last year at this time, 46 people in the county had died from the flu. County health officials say all those who died had underlying medical conditions.
The number of lab-confirmed influenza cases continued to drop last week with 637 reports received. That’s 135 fewer cases than the prior week.
“Influenza appears to be declining, but people should continue getting vaccinated as the flu could last until April or May,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The vaccine is safe and effective and the best tool we have to prevent influenza.”
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 March 7, 2020, the report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 5% of all visits (compared to 5% the previous week).
- Total influenza deaths to date: 86 (compared to 46 at this time last season).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 19,317 (compared to 6,675 last season).
(Photo credit San Diego County Newscenter)