First flu deaths of the season reported in Clark County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 29, 2022

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) announced the first influenza deaths reported this season today. Two Clark County residents, a woman in her 40s and a woman in her 60s, died in November from complications from the flu.

Cases of the flu are increasing in Clark County. There were 67 influenza-associated hospitalizations confirmed for the week of November 13 to November 19, a 72 percent increase when compared to the previous week. Emergency department and urgent care visits for influenza-like illness are also increasing, and the respiratory illness activity level in the state of Nevada is high.

“These deaths are a tragedy, and I offer my condolences to the families and friends of these women,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District.

Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and SNHD is urging all Southern Nevadans to get vaccinated this season. Older adults, younger children, pregnant people and those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe illness from the flu. People who care for children who are too young to get the flu vaccine should get vaccinated instead. Flu vaccines are available at SNHD clinics as well as doctors’ offices and pharmacies throughout Clark County.

SNHD also encourages people to take preventive actions to stay healthy this winter. Protective measures that can help prevent the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses include:

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying home when sick and limiting contact with others. For flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) COVID guidance is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.)
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue away after using it.
Washing hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Taking a COVID-19 test. People who develop flu-like symptoms should take a COVID-19 test, especially if they have underlying conditions that put them more at risk for severe illness or hospitalization from flu or COVID.
Taking flu antiviral drugs if prescribed by a doctor.

SNHD posts an Influenza Snapshot and Influenza Report by Age Group each week on its website 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.