North Carolina health officials say a six-year-old is the state's first death from the flu this season.
The state Department of Health and Human Services has recorded no other flu deaths since the infection season began in October. North Carolina's flu death toll by the same time last year was 14.
State health officials say the six-year old died more than two weeks ago of complications from an influenza infection. Officials won't name the child's hometown, county or even gender to protect the family's privacy.
The child was at risk for complications from the flu because of other medical conditions.
State Health Director Dr. Laura Gerald says the death is a reminder that flu is a serious illness and can be devastating to people at any age.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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