EVERETT, Wash. — Snohomish County has recorded its first flu-related death of the season as influenza cases rise earlier than usual across the region.
The Snohomish County Health Department says the Oct. 3 death involved an Edmonds man in his 70s with underlying health conditions who tested positive for influenza A.
Overall flu levels remain relatively low, accounting for 1.7% of all emergency department visits in the county. However, they say that figure exceeds the Washington State Department of Health threshold of 1.4% established for elevated community transmission.
Since Aug. 30, 63 people have been hospitalized for influenza in Snohomish County, including 31 admissions in a single week.
Hollianne Bruce, the lead epidemiologist for the Snohomish County Health Department, says that local virus activity mirrors patterns typically seen later in the fall.
“We are at levels typically seen in early December, which may be a sign of an earlier-than-normal peak season,” Bruce said.
Dr. James Lewis, health officer for Snohomish County, recommended that area residents seek vaccination quickly to reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
“Flu season has arrived early this year in Snohomish County and the Seattle area,” Lewis said. “We encourage residents to get their flu shots as soon as possible to help protect against serious illness and death.”
Health officials recommend getting vaccinated one to two weeks before attending social gatherings to allow the body time to build immunity.
In the previous three years, the earliest flu-related fatalities in the county occurred in November.
During the 2024-25 season, Snohomish County reported 53 flu-related deaths, the highest total in a decade, along with 859 hospitalizations.
The 2025-26 reporting period recorded 24 influenza deaths, including one pediatric fatality and 606 hospitalizations.
Thurston County reported a flu-related death from influenza on Wednesday.
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