By Tim Mastro

Delaware has recorded its first flu-related death of the season, as the virus continues its recent increase in transmission.

The Delaware Division of Public Health said the death was a 54-year-old Kent County woman and occurred in early April. She had underlying health conditions and was not vaccinated against the flu, according to DPH.

“This is a sad and stark reminder that the flu is still very much with us and can be deadly,” said the division’s director, Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased. Like many states, Delaware has seen an increase in flu cases recently. The prevention strategies are similar to the ones we encourage people to use with COVID-19.”

There was only one death in the 2020-21 flu season, while 10 individuals died from the illness in 2019-20.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a typical flu season as running from October to March, with a peak by the end of February. However, this year the surge has spread into April.

Delaware posted its highest weekly total for lab-confirmed flu cases, with 163 for the week of March 27-April 2 — the most recent available data. There were 139 lab-confirmed cases the week prior.

Before that, the state’s previous highest weekly case total was 126 during Dec. 12-18, 2021. Weekly cases decreased to as low as seven in January before the recent rise.

Delaware has totaled 1,194 lab-confirmed cases of the flu this current season, as of April 2.

Of those cases, 623 were in New Castle County, 210 in Kent County and 361 in Sussex.

DPH said these numbers reflect only lab-confirmed cases; the actual number is likely much higher, as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid tests in providers’ offices versus in labs.

With flu cases on the rise after the calm start to the season, DPH recommended that Delawareans take the following steps to protect themselves:

• Practice social distancing if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Wear a well-fitting face covering if you feel ill and have to go out in public.
• Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of it immediately; if no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.