PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota has recorded its first flu death of the season.
The Department of Health reports that the victim was a Day County resident in his or her 70s. Further information about the patient is not being released.
But State Epidemiologist Joshua Clayton says the case is a reminder that influenza can be a very serious illness.
Clayton says flu activity in South Dakota has been increasing. As of Friday, the state had reported 301 lab-confirmed cases of flu and 46 flu-related hospitalizations.
Each year, an average of 33 flu-related deaths is reported to the department.
To protect against flu complications, annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.
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