Oklahoma health officials report a sharp increase in the number of deaths related to the flu, and the first death of a child in the state has been reported in Oklahoma County.
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department reported Thursday that the child is 4-years-old or younger.
A state Health Department report shows the total number of deaths due to influenza this flu season rose from nine last week to 22, and the number of hospitalizations jumped from about 500 to nearly 800.
Twenty of the deaths have been in residents 65 or older and one was in the 18-49 age range.
Garfield, Oklahoma and Stephens counties have had the most deaths with three each.
A record 61 people died in the state due to flu last flu season.
-----
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
