The number of flu deaths in Collin and Dallas counties combined reached 86 this week. Seven new flu-related deaths in Dallas County Wednesday bring the total to 38; another five deaths in Collin County were confirmed Thursday bring the total to 48.
Dallas County Health and Human Services says that the patients ranged in age from 51 to 89; all were high health risk and most lived in the city of Dallas or around its southern suburbs.
Flu this season has also claimed two lives in Denton County and three in Tarrant County. The Centers for Disease Control classifies the flu outbreak in Texas this year as widespread. More than 86 percent of sample specimens tested in the state for Influenza A – the most rampant flu strain plaguing Texas this year – tested positive, according to the CDC’s latest report.
So far all flu-related deaths in North and Northeast Texas have been adults. Four pediatric influenza deaths, however, have been reported in the state. School districts throughout North and Northeast Texas are taking no chances. The Bonham School District in Fannin County shuttered for at least a week as of Wednesday. And as of Thursday, the Fannindel ISD also closed to disinfect its campus. The Gunter ISD in Grayson County Thursday also canceled classes for a week and the Cumby ISD in Hopkins County will be closed through Friday.
