CDC Data Show Increase in Flu Activity in Calif., Other Western States
The number of influenza cases in California and other Western states continues to increase, while flu activity appears to be waning in Eastern and Southern states, according to data released last week by CDC, MedPage Today reports (Fiore, MedPage Today, 2/1).
National Data
For the week ending Jan. 26, 42 states reported widespread flu activity, down from 47 states the previous week, according to CDC (Muskal, "Nation Now," Los Angeles Times, 2/1).
Data show that the percentage of flu-related doctor visits across the U.S. decreased from 4.3% to 4.2% during the week ending Jan. 26.
Data on Western States
According to CDC, flu activity continues to increase in three Western states:
- California;
- Oregon; and
- Washington.
In those states, the percentage of flu-related doctor visits increased from 4.6% to 5.9% during the week ending Jan. 26.
Data on California Cities
In Los Angeles, seven adults -- six of whom were older than 65 -- have died during this flu season, according to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department. The agency reported that flu activity in the county is the highest it has been in four years.
In San Diego, 19 people have died because of flu complications, although many of them had underlying health conditions, according to the cityâs Health and Human Services Agency (Weise, USA Today, 2/4). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.