Oklahoma flu deaths set record this season

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma Department of Health says two people have died from influenza-related illness during the past week, raising the state’s death toll this flu season to a record 84.

Health officials said Thursday that about 50 other Oklahomans have been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms, bringing the total to about 1,900 since the season began on Sept. 28.

Of this season’s flu deaths, 65 victims were 65 or older while 10 were in the 50 through 64 age group. Three victims were aged 18-49 and four were 5-17. Two victims have been younger than 4.

Tulsa County has recorded the most deaths with 20, followed by Oklahoma County with nine and five each in Garfield and Cleveland counties.

The previous record death toll in a single season was 72 during the 2013 to 2014 season.