Record number of flu deaths in San Diego County
San Diego County has had more influenza-related deaths this flu season than in any other on record, the county Health and Human Services reported Wednesday.
Sixty people in the county have died of complications related to the flu, surpassing the total of 58 during the 2009-10 pandemic, health officials said.
Of the 60, all but one had underlying medical conditions. The elderly were the most vulnerable; the oldest victim was 99.
Although flu season, considered to be from October to early April, occurs annually, this year’s strain, influenza A H3N2, is considered one of the most severe on record, officials said.
Because of the severity of this year’s strain, flu may remain a problem throughout the year, officials said. To date, the county has had 5,344 laboratory-confirmed cases, officials said.
ALSO:
Search for missing O.C. hikers enters another day
Kosher market targeted in USDA probe, class-action lawsuit
Clark Gable’s son posts bail after Malibu DUI, hit-and-run arrest
tony.perry@latimes.com
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
