The Pima County Health Department is reporting a child has died due to the flu virus.

The last pediatric flu death in Pima County was in 2022. Since October, 3,627 flu cases have been reported to the department.

County officials say this death was within an age group that is usually low risk and occurred outside of the regular flu season. 

Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County health director, is reminding residents to get their flu shots to help prevent severe illness.

“If you have not gotten vaccinated against the flu, you should as soon as you can,” Cullen said. “Getting a flu shot is one of the best tools we have to help protect ourselves against severe illness. Not only will the vaccine help better protect you, but it also protects those community members who are most vulnerable and at high-risk.”