Pinal County Public Health Services District announced Friday that a “young child” died due to influenza.

It is the first pediatric flu death in the state this year, according to a release from the district.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to this child’s family. In order to protect their privacy, we will not be releasing any further information about the child,” Merissa Mendoza, district health director, said.

Since the start of the current flu season, 2,794 lab-confirmed influenza cases have been reported in Pinal County and more than 30,000 cases in the state of Arizona, the release stated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older obtain the flu vaccine, which officials said provides protection against hospitalization and death, even for those who get the flu.

“It is important to get the vaccine as soon as possible because it takes your immune system two weeks to build defense against the flu,” the release stated.

Those who would like to schedule a flu shot or other immunizations can call Pinal County Public Health at 1-866-960-0633.

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