California’s flu season continues to challenge hospitals, with at least 74 fatalities recorded for people under age 65, numbers released by the state’s public health agency show.

A total of 32 people in the age category died the week of Jan. 7-13. Numbers for Jan. 14-20 are not expected before Friday.

Flu transmission has reached its highest rate since 2009, CDC officials said on Monday. 

A Jan. 16 Los Angeles Times story underscored the impact on hospitals. Some Southern California facilities were running low on beds, it noted, with one hospital in San Bernardino County setting up a surge tent in a parking lot.

“Many hospitals across the state are seeing a substantial increase in emergency department volume and inpatient admissions,” CHA President/CEO Carmela S. Coyle said in a message to members on Jan. 17.

Hospitals should implement surge plans as needed – and are advised to inform their local CDPH office “if they experience a significant surge or have concerns or problems,” Coyle added.

CHA public outreach talking points on this year’s season are available here.

Contact:
Jennifer Bayer
(213) 538-0730
jbayer@hasc.org