Flu Deaths Jump By 8; Hospitalizations Increase 44 Percent In Oklahoma

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, eight more flu deaths have been reported in the state since last week.

Cumulative deaths have reached 20 since the season began at the end of September 2013.

Hospitalizations have ballooned 44 percent from 399 to 575 since Jan. 16, records show.

1/16/2014 Related Story: Health Department: Flu Contributed To Death Of Tulsa County Child

One more death has been reported in Okmulgee County in eastern Oklahoma, bringing that total to two overall, according to the state agency.

In Tulsa County, no more deaths have been reported since last week, keeping the total for the season at four. Hospitalizations have increased since last week from 104 to 150.

Last week, a child under four years old was one of the reported deaths in Tulsa County.

The OSDH says local county health departments, pharmacies and health care providers still have vaccine and it urges everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated.

County Health Departments

Health officials say those who receive the flu vaccine not only protect themselves but also those around them, including babies too young to receive a vaccination.

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

Adair County 5

Cherokee County 5

Craig County 5

Creek County 8

Delaware County 3

Latimer County 6

LeFlore County 15 (1 death)

Mayes County 11

Muskogee County 10 (2 deaths)

Okfuskee County 3

Okmulgee County 9 (1 death)

Osage County 3 (1 death)

Ottawa County 5

Pawnee County 4

Pittsburg County 14 (1 death)

Rogers County 13

Sequoyah County 3

Tulsa County 150 (4 deaths)

Wagoner County 20

Washington County 3