Eight More Flu-Related Deaths In Oklahoma In Past Week

The Oklahoma State Department of Health blames eight more deaths on the flu in the last week.

That brings the total deaths to 33 for the season, an increase of 32 percent.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health six of the eight new deaths occurred in Craig, Creek, Pittsburg, Tulsa and Washington counties.

The OSDH says in Tulsa County the number of flu deaths this season stands at six. For Creek, Craig and Washington counties this past week's flu deaths were the first this season. 

Statewide, hospitalizations due to influenza jumped from 819 last week to 975 this week.

Influenza-related deaths elsewhere across Oklahoma include Carter, Cleveland, Comanche, Custer, Kay, Logan, McClain, Noble, Oklahoma and Seminole counties.

The OSDH says among the dead are two under age of 4, eight between 18 to 49 years of age, 13 between 50 to 64 years of age and 10 people older than 65.

Flu hospitalizations and deaths in eastern Oklahoma [since October 2013]:

• Adair County 6
• Cherokee County 7
• Craig County 9 (1 death)
• Creek County 21 (2 deaths)
• Delaware County 3
• Latimer County 6
• LeFlore County 19 (2 deaths)
• Mayes County 18
• McIntosh County 9 (1 death)
• Muskogee County 34 (2 deaths)
• Okfuskee County 5
• Okmulgee County 18 (1 death)
• Osage County 6 (1 death)
• Ottawa County 6
• Pawnee County 5
• Pittsburg County 19 (2 deaths)
• Rogers County 21
• Sequoyah County 3
• Tulsa County 206 (6 deaths)
• Wagoner County 27
• Washington County 7 (1 death)

The Department of Health began keeping statistics for the 2013-2014 flu season beginning in October 2013.

1/30/2014 Related Story: Five New Flu-Related Deaths In Oklahoma

"Spread of influenza is occurring statewide, so if you haven't already, now is the time to get your flu vaccination," said Mary Beth Murray, Administrative Director of the Washington County Health Department.

"While it may take up to two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, Oklahoma's flu season can extend into the spring, so it is not too late to be protected."

For information on the influenza vaccine contact your county health department.

County Health Departments