South Dakota reports first death of influenza season

November 23, 2020
Mike Tanner

PIERRE, S.D.–As if the COVID pandemic is not enough to deal with, the South Dakota Department of Health is reporting the first influenza death of the flu season.

The death was in a Potter County resident in their 80s.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton says if you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, the time to do so is now.

Influenza activity in South Dakota is currently classified as “sporadic.”

In addition to the one death, the state is reporting four lab-confirmed cases of influenza, and two flu-related hospitalizations.