Flu Activity Increased Sharply In Week Before Christmas
This flu season is expected to be particularly vicious and peak early.
Sacramento Bee:
Flu: Season Worsens As Influenza Is Widespread In 36 States, CDC Says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday released its latest weekly U.S. influenza report, noting that flu activity “increased sharply” Dec. 17-23, Week 51 of 2017. Influenza activity is now considered “widespread” in 36 states, including California, up from 23 last week and 12 the week before that. (McGough, 12/30)
Modesto Bee:
Stanislaus County Woman Dies From Flu, Health Officials Say
A Stanislaus County woman in her early 60s has died from influenza, making her the first person in the county under the age of 65 to die from the virus this flu season. ...The release did not indicate if anyone in the county over the age of 65 has died of the flu this season. (Tracy, 12/30)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
11th Flu Death Reported, Cases Surge In San Diego County
The number of flu deaths and cases skyrocketed last week in San Diego County, doubling the season-to-date count of residents sickened or killed by the contagious virus for a total that dwarfs the number reported at this time last year, county health officials announced Wednesday. County public health officials reported Wednesday that 11 deaths have been attributed to the virus as of last week, up from five the week before. At this time last year, four deaths had been attributed to the flu, officials said. (Cook, 12/28)