South Dakota Reports First Death of 2024

A Corson County resident in the 65 and older age group is the first confirmed influenza death of the 2024-2025 season in South Dakota.

The Dakota Department of Health says 215 lab-confirmed flu cases and 15 hospitalizations have been reported in the state since the season officially began in late September.

An average of 33 influenza-related deaths are reported in South Dakota each year.

During the flu season, the Department of Health encourages all South Dakotans to take the following preventative actions to help slow the spread of the flu:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Stay home if you are sick

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Yearly flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone age six months and older.

Groups like pregnant women, children younger than five years, people over 65 years, and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for flu-related complications. Healthcare workers and household contacts of high-risk populations, such as those with young infants, should also be vaccinated.

A list of participating locations offering flu vaccines in your community can be found online.

Influenza is a virus spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, body or muscle aches, and runny or stuffy nose.