EVERETT — An Everett teenager has died of the flu, the first local influenza death since April.
The boy’s death May 25 brings the number of flu deaths in Snohomish County to 45.
He did not have any pre-existing health conditions that made him more susceptible to the flu, said Heather Thomas, a spokeswoman for the Snohomish Health District. No further information on the teen’s death was immediately available.
Statewide, 277 people have died of influenza this flu season.
Meanwhile, the number of local suspected and confirmed mumps cases continues to grow, now totaling 79, with 53 of those cases affecting students and staff in area schools, Thomas said.
Mumps is a highly contagious virus. It can be spread by coughing, sneezing or saliva.
Mumps causes puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. Other symptoms are fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Up to 10 percent of teen boys and men can experience swelling of the testicles.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
