01/13/2026
Edgecombe County reports 1st flu-related death
The Edgecombe County Health Department received confirmation that there has been an influenza-related death reported in Edgecombe County.
According to the health department’s press release, the influenza-related death was not pediatric, and to protect the privacy of the family, no further information will be released.
“We are saddened to hear of this flu death in our community. This reminds us that the flu is a serious illness and we must take all precautions to protect ourselves, our families, and those around us. Flu activity is on the rise, and we have not hit the peak season yet. North Carolina has seen a significant increase in flu activity, unfortunately resulting in more adult deaths” stated Michelle Etheridge, Director of the Edgecombe County Health Department.
Influenza is a serious illness caused by a virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, shaking, chills, body aches, and extreme weakness. Flu is very contagious and is spread by an infected person’s respiratory droplets that are released in the air through coughing, sneezing, talking, or laughing. Flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against flu and is recommended for anyone over 6 months of age. It is particularly important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, young children and the elderly.
Your vaccination also protects people around you that are unable to be vaccinated including babies who are too young to be vaccinated.
In addition to being vaccinated, take everyday preventive measures. These include washing your hands, cough etiquette - covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, staying home from work and out of the public, and keeping your children home from school when sick to reduce the spread of germs.
The Edgecombe County Health Department offers the flu vaccine at both locations in Tarboro and Rocky Mount by appointment or walk-in, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. For more information or if you have questions or concerns regarding the flu, please contact the Edgecombe County Health Department at (252) 641-7511 or (252) 985-4100, Monday through Friday.e e
