Public health officials urged residents to get vaccinated, calling vaccination one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from influenza. Photo by Shvets Productions via Pexels

 

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Butte County Public Health has confirmed the first two influenza related deaths of the 2025-26 flu season, officials announced this week.

Both individuals were in their 50s, were hospitalized and later died from complications related to influenza. Health officials did not release additional identifying information.

“These deaths underscore the serious risk seasonal influenza poses, particularly to those at higher risk for severe illness,” the department said in a statement.

Dr. Jarett Beaudoin, Butte County health officer, extended condolences to the families.

“No one expects to lose someone to the flu, and that is what makes a moment like this especially hard,” Beaudoin said. “All of us at the Health Department extend our condolences to the family and friends who are grieving their loss.”

Public health officials urged residents to get vaccinated, calling vaccination one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from influenza. The department recommends flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older.

Officials said vaccination during pregnancy also helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated.

Residents are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about vaccine availability and eligibility. Flu vaccines are also available at local pharmacies and public health clinics.

Public Health Clinics in Chico and Oroville offer free flu vaccines on a walk in basis for individuals age 6 months and older.

The Chico Public Health Clinic is located at 1930 Notre Dame Blvd. The Oroville Public Health Clinic is located at 78 Table Mountain Blvd.

In addition to vaccination, public health officials recommended common preventive steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illness. These include frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth, staying home when sick and keeping sick children home from school according to school policies.

Officials also advised covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with people who are ill and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces when appropriate.

Residents experiencing flu like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.