RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — North Carolina health officials announced the state’s first flu death of the 2025-26 season Wednesday.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, an adult in the western part of the state died due to complications of flu during the first week of October. The state will not release any more personal information on the victim.

"This is a sad reminder that flu infections can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore. “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." DHHS says flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV

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