New data from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health reveals that 22 people have died of flu-related illness so far this season, nearly double the number of people who died during the entire 2023-2024 season.
Twelve people died last season, and 22 have died this season. As of Wednesday, 12 men, eight women and two children have died this season. The median age of those who died is 79.
The deaths were reported in the following cities:
- Bedford Heights
- Brooklyn
- Cleveland
- East Cleveland
- Euclid
- Garfield Heights
- Maple Heights
- Mayfield Heights
- Middleburg Heights
- Westlake
The adults ranged in age from 27 to 92 and the children were 8 and 12 years old. The CCBH said both children had co-morbidities that contributed to their deaths.
Hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic have seen a major increase in flu cases.
“Just patient after patient getting admitted, severely ill to the intensive care unit, some of them on ventilators, while many are just admitted to the hospital for several days until their condition improves,” said Dr. Joseph Khabbaza.
Khabbaza, a pulmonary and critical care physician, said that while flu season typically brings admissions and deaths, this year’s numbers are much higher.
“Last night, I mean just before midnight, I had another patient in the intensive care unit who passed away from a flu-related illness,” said Khabbaza.
Dr. Prakash Ganesha, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health Medical Director, and Dr. Khabbaza believe the increase in cases is due to several factors, starting with the vaccination rate, which is currently at 45%, far below the target of 70%.
“Coming out of COVID, we’ve seen a lot of misinformation and disinformation about vaccines. People aren’t turning to their medical providers for advice; instead, they’re relying on social media,” said Ganesha.
Also contributing to the rise is an evolving virus and people’s reluctance to mask up or stay home when they're sick.
“Are people who are sick or symptomatic, or have upper respiratory infections, removing themselves from the workplace, avoiding travel, or wearing masks when they travel?” asked Dr. Khabbaza.
As health officials monitor this spike in cases, they recommend getting vaccinated, washing your hands, and taking care of yourself.
“We just kind of get sad because, you know, the tools are available to help prevent, and at least minimize, the damage that can occur from respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Khabbaza.
The CCBH offers flu vaccines. CLICK HERE for more information.
According to health officials, flu activity in the area is considered "high," and flu cases nationally have been the highest in 15 years.
This season, there have been 33 million flu-related illnesses across the country, 430,000 hospitalizations and 19,000 deaths.
This year's harsh flu season has federal health officials trying to understand if it sparked an increase in a rare but life-threatening brain complication in children:
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