Photo from the Centers for Disease Control.
Also see:
-- Notifiable Communicable Diseases & Conditions - Los Angeles County
-- When Los Angeles Last Faced a Pandemic.
Almost two months into the 2022-2023 flu season, influenza cases have exploded in Los Angeles County. At the present rate, just in the first quarter of this season, we may expect the number of flu cases to exceed the number of cases recorded during all of the previous season.
Los Angeles County New Influenza Cases by 7-Day Period, 2022-2023 Flu Season
Weeks are Sunday through following Saturday. A new flu season begins in October. Numbers represent positive tests at specified Los Angeles County influenza surveillance labs.
Los Angeles Almanac chart.
| Flu Season* | Positive Flu Tests† | Influenza-Related Deaths | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Deaths | Pediatric Deaths‡ | ||
| 2022-2023 (through 11/12/2022) | 5,621 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021-2022 | 6,205 | 16 | 0 |
| 2020-2021** | 206 | 5 | 0 |
| 2019-2020†† | 15,489 | 62 | 2 |
| 2018-2019 | 6,429 | 125 | 2 |
| Flu Season* | Positive Flu Tests† | Influenza-Related Deaths | |
| Total Deaths | Pediatric Deaths‡ | ||
| 2017-2018 | 12,429 | 289 | 2 |
| 2016-2017 | 6,855 | 77 | 1 |
| 2015-2016 | 6,702 | 70 | 3 |
| 2014-2015 | 5,752 | 54 | 3 |
| 2013-2014 | 3,953 | 105 | 4 |
| Flu Season* | Positive Flu Tests† | Influenza-Related Deaths | |
| Total Deaths | Pediatric Deaths‡ | ||
| 2012-2013 | 3,163 | 69 | 7 |
| 2011-2010 | 1,149 | 21 | 2 |
| 2010-2011 | 2,122 | 34 | 3 |
* Although influenza is detected year-round, according to the Centers for Disease Control, a new "flu season" begins in October and peaks during December through February. Significant activity, however, can last as late as May.
† This number represents only those tested at specified Los Angeles County influenza surveillance labs and whose results were positive.
‡ Ages 0-17
** The dramatic drop-off in reported influenza cases during this period was attributed to widespread public health practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as requirements for face coverings, social distancing, closures, etc.
†† Official summary numbers had not been provided for the end of this season, due to public health staff suddenly pressed into beomg fully occupied with COVID-19 data. Numbers presented here are cumulative tallies of weekly influenza reports for the season through Mar. 21, 2020.
Source: Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Los Angeles once faced a horrific influenza outbreak.
