SAN DIEGO - Four more people have died from the flu in San Diego County, bringing the season total for the region to 61 deaths this season.
At this time last season, the county only saw 39 influenza-related deaths.
Those who have died this season range in age from 31- to 98-years-old and all but three had underlying medical conditions, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Friday.
"The number of lab-confirmed influenza cases reported last week was almost identical to the previous week," Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer, said. "Influenza is still widespread in the region, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated."
Last week, the county registered 335 lab-confirmed cases of the flu in the county, compared to 334 the previous week. Total confirmed cases to date are at 4,447 cases, compared to 4,591 at this time last season.
County health officials advised residents to wash their hands thoroughly, stay away from sick people, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, and to stay home if they're sick in order to minimize their risk of catching the flu.
Mark Saunders is a KGTV digital producer. Follow him on Twitter at @10NewsSaunders.
