First flu deaths of season
By Capital Journal staff Jan 14, 2020 Updated 5 hrs ago 0
As of Jan. 14, South Dakota has three reported flu-related deaths. These are the first deaths of the 2019-2020 season. The deaths were reported in Deuel and Mellette counties, and the individuals were all aged 50 years and older.
To protect patient confidentiality, additional information about the deceased is not being released.
“Our sympathy is with the families. Their losses serve as a reminder to us all that influenza can be a very serious illness,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist for the department. “It is not too late to get vaccinated for this flu season, and if you haven’t yet received your annual flu vaccination, the time to do so is now.”
Clayton noted that flu activity in communities across South Dakota is classified as widespread. To date, the state has reported 1,555 lab-confirmed cases of flu and 59 flu-related hospitalizations.
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