Flu Deaths Of 2019-20 Season Begin In California

BAY AREA, CA — Two Santa Clara County residents, including a child, have died recently from the flu, county officials said Tuesday.

The child who died was previously healthy and had recently returned from overseas travel, and county public health officials believe the influenza virus was most likely contracted overseas.

The other death, an adult under the age of 65, had other medical conditions that put them at increased risk of complications from the flu.

The names of the two people who died are not being released.

County public health officials do not know if either person received the flu vaccine, but said the deaths serve as a reminder of the importance of getting the flu vaccine.

Earlier this month, public-health officials in Riverside County announced that a recently deceased 4-year-old child from Perris — who had underlying health issues — tested positive for influenza. The case is that county’s first pediatric flu-related death of the 2019-2020 flu season, according to officials.

San Diego County's Health and Human Services Agency reported that a 74-year-old Chula Vista man died Aug. 15 due to complications from Influenza B. The man, whose name was withheld, also had additional medical issues, according to county health officials. It was the county's first influenza death for the 2019-20 season.

The spread of flu typically picks up in October or November, and can last until May.

Dr. Sara Cody, director of the Santa Clara County public health department, said in a news release that "it's too early to say what these two reported deaths may indicate about this flu season" but said "getting vaccinated is still the best protection."

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months or older, and is particularly important for pregnant women, children under 5 years old, adults over 65, and those with chronic medical conditions.

—Bay City News contributed to this report.