EVERETT — Snohomish County has its fifth confirmed flu death and first two cases of mumps this season, the Snohomish Health District said Thursday.
An Everett woman in her early 90s died earlier this week. She had the flu and other underlying health conditions, according to the health district.
Four other flu deaths were reported in Snohomish County in late December.
Two cases of mumps also have been confirmed in the county.
A child in Everett tested positive for mumps. The child, whose age was not immediately available, likely was exposed to the virus while traveling in the south part of King County.
An adult from Mill Creek also tested positive for mumps after a trip to Brazil.
The spike in illnesses is clogging local hospitals.
Flu hospitalizations for the last week of December were the highest in recent years in Snohomish County, with more than 50 overnight stays for influenza, the health district said. Officials urge people to go to the hospital only for life-threatening conditions.
More flu patients in the hospital means longer wait times. Typically, emergency care is needed if someone is confused, can’t be awakened, has difficulty breathing, feels pain or pressure in their abdomen or chest, has blue lips or a skin rash, or can’t keep down liquids. For infants, a high fever also is cause for emergency care.
People with milder symptoms should consider a walk-in clinic or an appointment with their primary care doctor.
The health district reminds people to wash their hands often, stay home if they are sick and make sure they are up to date on vaccinations. Adults and children should stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medicine. Influenza and mumps are highly contagious.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.
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