Flu linked to two Oklahoma deaths

TULSA — Oklahoma health leaders say two northeast Oklahoma residents have died due to flu-related symptoms in the last two weeks.

Both victims were 65-year-old or older.

Last year was the deadliest flu season in the state on record.

They are the first deaths recorded since the flu season officially began on Sept. 1.

In addition, health officials say 56 people, including 14 in Tulsa County alone, have been hospitalized with flu-related symptoms. Those hospitalized with flu include seven children aged 17 or younger.

Health Department spokesman Tony Sellars says 291 people died due to the flu during Oklahoma's previous flu season, the most since the agency began tracking flu deaths in 2009. Thousands more Oklahomans were hospitalized with the virus.