
The death of a 79-year-old Luna County woman was one of 115 influenza and pneumonia-related deaths in New Mexico so far this flu season.
The Department of Health said elevated flu activity started a bit later than in the previous three seasons but that flu-related hospitalizations and deaths have increased in recent weeks.
The department also said the flu vaccine for this season appears to be a good match with strains that are circulating.
The department said many of the pneumonia-related deaths may have been related to complications from having flu because pneumonia is a known complication of influenza infection.
Influenza and pneumonia-related deaths also have occurred in Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Grant, Lincoln, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties, in addition to Luna County.