By AP
Tulsa, OK – Deaths associated with the flu rise to 8 in Okla.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma health officials say three more people have died of complications associated with influenza, bringing the seasonal total to eight.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health said Thursday one death came in the 0-18 years age group, another in the 19-64 age group and one in the 65 years and older group.
Officials said all three had pre-existing conditions and/or complications from secondary bacterial infection.
Officials said 597 cases of flu-associated hospitalizations had been reported to the agency since Sept. 1, and 50 percent of those were among children 18 years of age and younger.
Since Sept. 1, 247 specimens tested at the Health Department's laboratory were positive for the flu. Of those, 70 percent were Type A influenza, 2.5 percent were swine flu and 27.5 percent were Type B.