SACRAMENTO, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- California confirmed influenza-related deaths in adults age 65 and younger increased by 24 for a total of 302 deaths for the 2013/2014 season, officials say.
The areas hardest hit were Sacramento with 25 deaths, 23 in San Bernardino and 25 in San Diego.
By this time last year, California Department of Public Health had received reports of a total of 34 influenza fatalities in those age 65 and younger. In all of the 2012/2013 influenza season, a total of 106 deaths were reported.
The great majority of reported influenza deaths in those age 65 and younger involved people with underlying medical conditions.
Outpatient visits continued to decrease and both outpatient visits and hospitalizations are within expected baseline levels for this time of year, Chapman said.
Federal health officials do not keep records for adults influenza-related deaths. They only keep records on pediatric-related influenza deaths.
