RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The first death of the 2025-26 flu season in North Carolina was announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday.

According to the NCDHHS, an adult in the western part of the state died during the first week of October due to complications from the flu.

State officials declined to release more information to protect the privacy of the individual's family.

"This is a sad reminder that flu infections can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal," state epidemiologist Zack Moore said in a statement. "We encourage everyone to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses, like getting your yearly flu shot, regularly washing hands, covering your cough, and staying home when sick to avoid infecting others."

North Carolina

See Full Page