Re: California reports another 35 flu deaths; Sacramento among hot spots
Re: California reports another 35 flu deaths; Sacramento among hot spots
Confirmed Flu Deaths Reported in State Reach 278
Date: 2/21/2014
Number: 14-025
Contact: Anita Gore, Heather Bourbeau (916) 440-7259
SACRAMENTO
Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, announced today the number of confirmed influenza related deaths in persons under 65 years of age reported in the state has increased by 35 to a total of 278 confirmed deaths for the 2013-14 season. Six of the 278 are pediatric deaths. There are an additional 29 deaths under investigation, not yet confirmed.
The 278 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 (4), Lake (1), Lassen (1), Long Beach (7), Los Angeles (36), Madera (2), Marin (2), Mendocino (4), Merced (5), Monterey (5), Nevada (1), Orange (10), Riverside (10), Sacramento (25), San Bernardino (19), San Diego (23), San Francisco (3), San Joaquin (6), San Luis Obispo (1), San Mateo (6), Santa Barbara (3), Santa Clara (14), 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 32 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. Both outpatient visits and hospitalizations continue to decrease. The influenza season status remains widespread.
?Even a single death from the flu is a tragedy,? said Dr. Chapman. ?The best way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated. The influenza season continues and it?s not too late for vaccination.?
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 anti-virals for treatment. CDPH continues to closely monitor influenza activity statewide and related resources.
Visit a flu vaccine location near you to get immunized. Some local health departments may also offer free or low-cost immunizations. More information on influenza and other respiratory disease surveillance reports can be found on the CDPH website.
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/NR14-025.aspx
