North Carolina reports first flu-related death of 2026-27 season
By Kelly Doty
Click here for updates on this story
RALEIGH, North Carolina (WLOS) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the state’s first flu-related death of the 2026-27 season.
An adult in central North Carolina died from flu complications during the first week of October, the department said in an Oct. 8 news release. NCDHHS said it would not release any other information to protect the family’s privacy.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious the flu can be,” N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a written statement. “We encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others this respiratory virus season. Getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, washing hands regularly, and covering coughs and sneezes can all help reduce the spread of seasonal illnesses.”
State health officials said last year’s flu season was the third-deadliest since the state began broad reporting in 2009. They reported 335 flu-related deaths that season, including 10 pediatric deaths.
NCDHHS urged residents to get vaccinated against the flu and other respiratory illnesses that peak in the fall and winter, such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The department advised parents to review vaccination recommendations for specific age groups at SpreadTheFacts.org.
State health officials said the Vaccines for Children program offers eligible uninsured children free vaccines through age 18.
In addition to vaccination, NCDHHS urged residents to take the following steps to limit the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses:
-Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with others when possible. -Wash hands frequently with soap and water. -Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow. -Clean frequently touched surfaces. -Improve ventilation and bring in fresh air when possible. -Talk with a health care provider promptly if symptoms develop, especially if you are at higher risk of severe illness. Antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19 are most effective when started early.
NCDHHS monitors flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity across the state through the NC Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which is updated weekly.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.