Monroe County has recorded its first flu death of the 2018-2019 season, data from the county's infection surveillance program shows.
The county's report shows the person who died was between 50 and 64 years old.
The county had confirmed 156 flu cases in that age range, and 881 total cases this season.
"The death means that people can and do die of flu, which is why it's especially important to get your flu shot each year," said public health department spokesperson Ryan Horey. "The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of dying from the flu, or if you do get sick from the flu, the vaccine can help make your illness less severe," he said.
In early February last year, nine people had died of the flu amid about 3,000 confirmed cases of the illness, according to county records.
