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2 More Flu Deaths Reported In Santa Clara County, 50 More Statewide

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Two more flu-related deaths were recorded in Santa Clara County on Friday as state Department of Public Health officials confirmed there have been 50 more influenza deaths throughout the state as of last week.

A 58-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man died after contracting the flu in Santa Clara County, according to county Department of Public Health spokeswoman Amy Cornell said.

There have been eight flu deaths in the county this season, Cornell said.

State health officials released the latest figures of flu activity today and reported there have been 95 confirmed deaths, including three pediatric deaths, since the season started.

There were 50 more confirmed flu deaths reported in the week since Jan. 11 and 51 others that have not yet been confirmed throughout the state, according to state health officials.

Last flu season, there were 106 flu-related deaths throughout the state.

Information from Bay Area county health departments indicates there have been 32 flu-related deaths in the region as of Friday.

Particularly vulnerable populations, including the sick, elderly, infants and pregnant women, are advised to take precautions against infection.

Many of the deaths this year have been connected to the H1N1 flu strain, known as "swine flu," which is considered more dangerous for young adults and middle-age adults compared to other strains.

State health officials are encouraging all residents to get vaccinated.

There are vaccines available statewide and there are no reported shortages of anti-viral medication, state health officials said.

© Copyright 2014 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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