ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday reported more than 500 flu-related deaths for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season — the highest number of statewide flu deaths recorded since broad reporting began in 2009.
So far this flu season, 17 Buncombe County residents have had influenza-associated deaths, county officials said. Of those, 12 were 65 or older and one was a child.
All but one had underlying health conditions, and 11 (or about 65 percent) were unvaccinated. But, the total number of unvaccinated could be higher as there were three individuals for whom influenza vaccination status was unknown, county officials said.
Influenza-like illness has been decreasing gradually in the Buncombe County area (Region 6) and the state since early February.
There were 12 influenza-associated fatalities in the 2023-24 season and 12 in the 2022-23 season.
Wednesday’s grim milestone serves as a reminder that seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. Prevention and response to these and other illnesses and outbreaks is one of the critical roles that public health serves.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NORTH CAROLINA RESPIRATORY VIRUS DASHBOARD
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season,” NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a news release. “These numbers would be even higher without the dedication of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health and local health department teams who provide flu education, distribute vaccines, and support treatment and prevention efforts in all 100 counties. Their work saves lives every single day.”
Public health workers in North Carolina monitor outbreaks and conduct disease surveillance throughout the year, ensure access to vaccines, and provide guidance to partners across the state. Staff with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services coordinate with local health departments to ensure they have the information and tools needed to protect their communities when viral illnesses are spreading. The department also provides direct support to long-term care facilities and other settings where the risk of severe illness is highest.
The public health team also helps connect partners with up-to-date guidance and supports immunization planning to help keep North Carolinians safe and healthy year-round.
Buncombe County residents are urged to make an appointment with the Buncombe County Immunizations Clinic at 828-250-5096 or walk in at 40 Coxe Ave. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8-11:30 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 1-4:30 p.m. to get their flu vaccines.
