First flu death of the season reported
Health District urges vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older to protect themselves and others
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 26, 2024
LAS VEGAS — The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident—a woman in her 70s. While reports of respiratory and influenza-like illnesses locally remain minimal, seasonal flu activity has slightly increased nationally, particularly among children. Emergency department and urgent care visits for influenza-like illness are also increasing. The Health District is encouraging everyone to protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill by getting the flu vaccine.
“Our condolences go out the family and friends of the woman who died,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “We know the flu causes severe illness and deaths every year, and I want to remind everyone that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine this season to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Flu season typically peaks between December and February but can last until May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Adults 65 years and older, children younger than 2 years old, pregnant people, and those who are immunocompromised or with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from the flu. Caregivers for children too young to be vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated themselves to provide protection. Flu vaccines are available at Health District clinics as well as doctor’s offices and pharmacies throughout Southern Nevada.
The Health District also encourages people to take steps to stay healthy. Simple steps can reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Stay home when sick and limit contact with others.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue away after using it.
- Take a COVID-19 test if flu-like symptoms develop. Free self-test kits are available at Health District vending machines throughout Clark County. Find locations at www.snhd.info/covid-testing.
- Take antiviral drugs for flu if prescribed by a doctor.
The Health District Influenza Snapshot and Influenza Report by Age Group is available each week at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/news-info/statistics-surveillance-reports/influenza-surveillance/.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.