Flu deaths increase to 74, cases decrease in San Diego

The number of local influenza deaths increased to 74 after 11 additional fatalities were reported last week, compared to 41 at this time last season, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced recently.

The new flu deaths include a 26-year-old woman from South County who died Feb. 13 from influenza B. Only two of the 11 reported deaths occurred last week, and all had underlying medical conditions.

“Influenza can be deadly, especially for those with existing chronic health conditions,” Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer, said.

The number of lab-confirmed case...