Snohomish County reports first local flu death of the season

EVERETT — The Snohomish County Health Department announced on Wednesday the first local influenza death of the 2025-26 season.

On Saturday, a Snohomish woman in her 60s died after testing positive for influenza A, health department spokesperson Jeff Hodson said in a press release Wednesday. The woman had underlying health conditions.

Last season, the county’s first flu death wasn’t until January. The county reported 53 flu-related deaths last season, the highest number in more than a decade. So far this season, the county has seen nine reported flu-related hospitalizations, Hodson said. Typically, flu activity peaks between December and February, he said.

“We are at the very beginning of the flu season, so now is a great time to get your flu shot,” said Dr. James Lewis, health officer for the Snohomish County Health Department, in the release. “It is a bit concerning to have our first death so early in the season. Things will only get worse.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-reports-first-local-flu-death-of-the-season/