Flu Death Toll Rises: Previously Healthy 23 Year Old Among Victims

By Bea Karnes

The number of flu deaths in the Bay Area rose Thursday, including the most frightening death so far—a previously healthy 23-year-old in Sonoma County.

Also on Thursday, a second flu death was reported in Santa Clara County—a 61-year-old man; San Mateo and San Francisco counties each announced their first flu deaths.

The young Sonoma County victim died of H1N1 influenza, the swine flu that caused a global pandemic during 2009-10. In fact, all of the local deaths have been H1N1.

Health officials in counties around the Bay Area urged residents to get flu shots immediately. This year’s vaccine covers three strains of flu, including H1N1.

Bay Area flu deaths reported since last Friday include:

Santa Clara County: 2

San Mateo County: 1

San Francisco County: 1

Marin County: 2

Sonoma County: 1

Contra Costa County: 1

Alameda County: 1

In addition, it was announced Wednesday that two deaths are suspected in Santa Cruz County, but those deaths have yet to be confirmed by tests.

Besides the deaths, hospitalizations are escalating. At a hospital in East San Jose, Regional Medical Center of San Jose, a tent has been set up to handle the anticipated overflow of flu cases.

Also on Patch:

• Where to Get a Flu Shot in Palo Alto
• Second Flu Death in Santa Clara County
• First Flu Death of Season Reported in County
• CDC: Flu Symptoms
• More Bay Area Flu Deaths Confirmed