Sacramento County Reports First Flu Death of Season: Unvaccinated Woman in Her 50s With Chronic Conditions
Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH), in Sacramento County, California, confirmed on November 4 the county's first flu-related death of the 2026-27 flu season. The death involved a woman in her 50s with underlying chronic medical conditions who was not vaccinated against the flu.
The woman developed respiratory symptoms in mid-October and was diagnosed with Influenza A. She was hospitalized a few days later and died shortly after, the county said. Officials did not release her name or specify her chronic conditions.
This season's first reported flu death came about a month earlier than last year's, which was reported in late November 2025. County Public Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu called it a stark reminder that flu can cause serious illness and death, and that vaccination remains the best defense, noting that flu is circulating very high in California and that everyone aged 6 months and older should get vaccinated now.
Residents can drop into one of SCPH's free flu vaccine clinics for the 2026-27 season, use the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to locate a clinic, or contact the county's Immunization Assistance Program, the county said. Its prevention tips include staying home when sick, testing for COVID-19 and flu, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and ventilating indoor spaces.
(Source: Sacramento County Public Health)
Source: Sacramento County Public Health
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Sacramento县政府大楼（GSM县级固定图库）。 / Photo: Sacramento County government building (GSM county asset library).
