Delaware has its first flu death of the 2013-2014 season.
The state’s Division of Public Health (DPH) says it has confirmed the death of at 50-year-old woman from central Sussex County January 6th was the result of an influenza A infection. The Delaware Public Health Laboratory as part of the state’s routine flu surveillance efforts.
"We are so sorry to hear this sad news," said DPH director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. This is an important reminder how serious the flu can be, particularly among vulnerable populations like the very young, people with multiple underlying conditions, and seniors."
The current status of flu activity in Delaware and nationwide is considered “widespread.”
The Division of Public reports the First State has seen a total of 655 flu cases in the current season. 97% of them were influenza A cases.
In calendar year 2013, the state recorded over 1,748 confirmed flu cases in with four flu-related deaths.
Public health officials are urging all persons to frequently wash hands with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home from work or school when sick. Also, anyone six months and older is being advised to be vaccinated for the flu.
