The Centers for Disease Control has termed influenza as a national epidemic which is claiming more and more lives in north Texas. After the death of four county residents along with three others in neighboring counties because of flu in recent weeks, Lucas County is on track to exceed the number deaths that were observed locally over the past five years.

There were no definite deaths in past two years because the flu in Lucas County. In 2010-2011, a person died because of flu and in 2009-2010, the year of the H1N1 epidemic, four deaths occurred because of the same.

Most of the people suffering from flu have missed their flu shot this year, as per the observation of medical teams. Medical staff is working tirelessly to provide services to people who report sick.

Dr. David Grossman, Toledo-Lucas County health commissioner, says, “We are not in the throes of an epidemic. I think we are probably seeing a little higher than normal, and we are having a more serious flu season, but it is not an epidemic”.

The virus claimed life of four People in area hospitals in Lucas County. As per health officers, two southeast Michigan residents who died from the H1N1 strain of the virus were James A. Crosby, 50, of Temperance on December 28 and Chris Wright, 41, from Monroe who died January 12.

Dr. Grossman told that nearly 30,000 deaths occur every year which can be closely related to flu like conditions. Flu season continues through April and that is why health officials are worried and are urging people to get a flu shot and it takes two weeks for complete guard against flu. Detailed news report with regional data was published in The Blade. Report can be read here.