L.A. Reports 798 Flu-Related Deaths, a 20% Increase From December 1996
At least 798 people died of influenza or pneumonia in Los Angeles in December, a 20% increase from the 667 deaths in December 1996, according to the county Department of Health Services. County hospitals were overwhelmed with patients seeking flu treatment in the latter part of December as a new flu strain, “A Sydney,” swept through the country. Flu vaccines did not protect against A Sydney.
County epidemiologist Dr. David Dassey said that the number of flu deaths generally increases when there are more cases and that there is no reason to believe that A Sydney is more virulent than other strains.
Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II
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