Allegheny County reports first flu death of season

A 90-year-old Allegheny County woman with underlying medical conditions has died from flu complications, the county Health Department reported Wednesday.

The woman is the county’s first flu fatality of the season, according to Dr. Kristen Mertz, an epidemiologist with the health department. The department said it could not release additional details.

As of Saturday, 13 Pennsylvanians had died from flu-related symptoms, according to the Pennsylvania Health Department.

Mertz said residents should call their doctor as soon as possible upon experiencing flu symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue.

“The best way to fight the flu is to get vaccinated,” she said in a statement. “Not only does it protect you from getting sick, it can protect you from spreading the flu to your loved ones and those that cannot be vaccinated.”

Flu cases are particularly widespread across the state this season.

The state health department reported that flu activity is increasing in all regions with 25,362 laboratory-confirmed cases. Flu cases have been confirmed in 66 counties of the state’s 67 counties.

Allegheny County is ground zero with 5,174 confirmed cases, about 20% of the state’s total and more than any other county. Thirty-four residents have been hospitalized with flu symptoms.

Mertz said that to prevent transmitting the flu, people should wash hands frequently, cough or sneeze into an elbow or shoulder, and stay at home if experiencing flu symptoms.