OROVILLE — Butte County Public Health reported the county’s first flu-related death of the season Friday.
The deceased, who BCPH didn’t identify, was a visitor from the East Coast in their 30s. They died from complications of influenza.
Public health officials encouraged residents to get vaccinated and take other actions to prevent respiratory illnesses.
“This is a stark reminder that influenza can cause severe symptoms, hospitalization and death,” Dr. David Canton, Butte County public health officer, said in the announcement. “While this person was not a resident of the county, they did spend time in the community and local hospital. I urge residents to get their annual flu vaccine and to take additional illness prevention measures.”
Flu season in Butte County typically surges in mid- to late December and can last through late spring. BCPH confirmed influenza is circulating in the county but says it hasn’t heard of increased flu activity from health care providers.
Visit buttecounty.net/948/Influenza for more information.