Lowcountry victim first to die from flu this season in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina has seen its first flu-related death this season.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed the death on Thursday.

The Greenville News reports that the victim was from the Lowcountry region. A statement from the health department said the death was the first lab-confirmed influenza-related death of the season.

[RELATED: CDC reminds everyone who can, to get a flu shot this year]

Dr. Lilian Peake, DHEC's director of public health, said in the statement the death highlights the importance of getting the flu vaccine.

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Associated Press