In the latest update on California's flu deaths, the state's health officer reported an increase of two dozen deaths, with this year's fatal cases reaching nearly three times last year's total.
Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, announced Friday that the number of confirmed influenza related deaths in persons under 65 years of age reported in the state has increased by 24 to a total of 302 confirmed deaths for the 2013-14 season.
Six of the 302 are pediatric deaths, Chapman said.
There are an additional 19 deaths under investigation, not yet confirmed, according to Chapman.
The 302 confirmed influenza-associated deaths this season have been reported by the following jurisdictions: Alameda (6), Butte (1), Calaveras (2), Contra Costa (6), El Dorado (2), Fresno (21), Glenn (1), Humboldt (1), Imperial (1), Kern (10), Kings (6), Lake (1), Lassen (1), Long Beach (7), Los Angeles (44), Madera (2), Marin (2), Mendocino (4), Merced (5), Monterey (5), Nevada (1), Orange (13), Riverside (13), Sacramento (25), San Bernardino (23), San Diego (25), San Francisco (3), San Joaquin (7), San Luis Obispo (1), San Mateo (6), Santa Barbara (3), Santa Clara (15), Santa Cruz (3), Shasta (3), Siskiyou (2), Solano (3), Sonoma (7), Stanislaus (13), Sutter (1), Tulare (3), Tuolumne (1) and Ventura (3).
By this time last year, CDPH had received reports of a total of 34 influenza fatalities in persons under 65 years of age and in all of the 2012-13 season, a total of 106 deaths were reported.
The great majority of reported influenza deaths in persons under 65 years of age have occurred in people with underlying medical conditions, Chapman's office reported.
Outpatient visits continued to decrease and both outpatient visits and hospitalizations are within expected baseline levels for this time of year. Chapman said the influenza season status was decreased to regional.
“The influenza season continues and it’s not too late for vaccination, which is still the best way to prevent illness and the spread of illness,” said Dr. Chapman.
Those at highest risk – the elderly, pregnant women, infants, or those with other health conditions - who show flu symptoms should contact their physician immediately in order to get the most effective treatment. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
Influenza vaccine remains available and there is no widespread shortage of antivirals for treatment. CDPH continues to closely monitor influenza activity statewide and related resources.
For information on local vaccinations, call Lake County Public Health, 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291.