OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Department of Health says the state is approaching a record for the number of flu deaths in one season.
The department reported Thursday that 68 people have died since flu season began Sept. 28. The previous record of 71 flu-related deaths was set last year. Previous reports had last year's record number of deaths at 61.
Tulsa County has reported the most deaths with 12, followed by Oklahoma County with six and Garfield County with five.
Fifty-one of the victims were 65 years old or older and nine were between 50 and 64. Two were 4 or younger and two were between 18 and 49 while the remaining 4 victims were between 5 and 17.
The department says about 1,600 people have been hospitalized due to the flu.