The South Dakota Department of Health today reports that a  Yankton County  resident is the first influenza related death of the 2007-2008 flu season. The individual was in the 90 to 99 year old age group.

Influenza activity is widespread in South Dakota , with a total of 186 laboratory confirmed cases and 66 hospitalizations reported as of February 9. Influenza A predominates, accounting for 113 cases while influenza B totals 53 cases. Nationally, a total of 44 states are reporting widespread flu activity, including South Dakota ’s neighboring states.

The department urges South Dakotans to prevent the spread of the flu by practicing the common sense hygiene measures of the department's "Stop It, Don't Spread It" campaign:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand gel if you can’t wash;   
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth; 
• If you're sick stay home.  
  

During the 2006-2207 season, there six flu-associated deaths reported in South Dakota , ranging in age from eight to 97, with a media age of 86.

Influenza is a viral respiratory illness marked by the sudden onset of fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, sending the highly contagious virus into the air. Each year in the , influenza results in an average of 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations.  

For more information about influenza, visit the department’s web at http://flu.sd.gov.