Flu Death Toll Reaches 50 In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO — Eleven additional flu-related deaths were confirmed last week in San Diego County, bringing this flu season's death toll to 50, compared to 24 at this time last season, county health officials announced Wednesday.

The ages of the patients ranged from 53 to 80, and all had underlying medical conditions, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

The total number of flu cases dropped for the second week in a row, indicating the flu season might be easing in the San Diego area, according to Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. A total of 1,702 cases were reported in the region last week, compared to 1,884 the previous week.

There have been 13,569 flu cases so far this season, compared to 3,938 at this time last season.

"Of the 11 influenza deaths reported last week, only two occurred last week," Wooten said. "The fact that flu cases continued to decline could be a sign that influenza has peaked in San Diego. However, influenza cases are reported year round and we could see case increases in the weeks to come."

County health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year, especially in demographics with a heightened risk of serious complications, such as children, people age 65 or older, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease.

The flu shot is available at doctors' offices and retail pharmacies. Visit www.sdiz.org or call 211 San Diego for a list of locations offering the vaccine.