SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Snohomish County Health Department (SCHD) has confirmed the first pediatric flu death in Washington State this season.
Health Officer Dr. James Lewis reported that a school-age teenager died from influenza last week.
According to a report from January 17, 59 people have died from the flu in Washington state.
The health department is urging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated.
Jeff Hodson, SCHD Communications Manager, discussed the most recent data on flu vaccinations within the county.
“As of January 26, 26.8% of the population here had received a flu vaccine. That’s lower than where we want it, but it mirrors statewide trends,” Hodson said. “The strain the child had was H3. Our lead epidemiologist tells me this year’s flu shot is a ‘decent match.'”
