EL PASO, Texas — El Paso’s Department of Public Health on Monday reported the city’s first flu-related death of the season.

What You Need To Know

  • El Paso officials on Monday reported a 13-year-old girl with underlying health conditions died from complications caused by the flu

  • The city has seen a significant uptick in cases of the flu

  • According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses

  • The most important preventative measure is to get a flu shot, the CDC said 

It involved a 13-year-old girl with underlying health conditions.

El Paso reported 722 flu cases between October and December 2023, a significant increase from the 280 cases reported during the same period in 2022.

“We are deeply saddened to report the tragic loss of a child in our community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this difficult time,” said City-County Local Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza. “The best protection against the flu and its serious complications is vaccination. We strongly urge everyone aged 6 months and older to get their flu shot to protect themselves and those around them.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe illness.

It’s believed that flu viruses are spread mainly by tiny droplets that are made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk.

Symptoms of the flu, the CDC says, include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue 
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at a higher risk of developing serious complications. This includes people 65 years old and older, expectant mothers, children younger than 5 and people with chronic medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and heart disease. 

The CDC stresses that the most important step in preventing the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illness and the risk of serious flu complications.

It’s also suggested that you take preventative actions such as maintaining distance from people who are ill and washing your hands frequently.

El Paso’s DPH offers free flu vaccines to residents on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are available at the following locations:

  • Ysleta Community Clinic: 110 Candelaria St.
  • Henderson Community Clinic: 721 S. Mesa St.
  • Northeast Community Clinic: 9566 Railroad Dr.
  • Westside Community Clinic: 7380 Remcon Cir.