North Carolina reports highest number of flu deaths since 2009
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 500 flu-related deaths for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season.
This is the highest number of statewide flu deaths since reporting began in 2009. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season,' NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said. 'These numbers would be even higher without the dedication of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health and local health department teams who provide flu education, distribute vaccines, and support treatment and prevention efforts in all 100 counties. Their work saves lives every single day.'
Public health workers are monitoring outbreaks and conducting disease surveillance year-round to make sure that people have access to vaccines and provide guidance to partners across the state.
This news happens to fall on National Public Health Week, Apr. 7-13, 2025, which is a time to honor thousands of public health professionals who serve North Carolina in tracking infectious diseases, provide life-saving care, ensure clean drinking water, support maternal and child health, and that public health is a foundation of thriving communities. Recent federal funding cuts have resulted in abrupt termination of several federal grants that caused a loss of more than 80 jobs and at least $100 million for the department with more than $230 million in funding at risk. Here are some of the critical public health work that is halted or reduced because of these federal cuts:
Completion of the State Laboratory of Public Health expansion that would better prepare North Carolina for outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.
Loss of the corrections response team that provided consultation to prisons and jails regarding communicable diseases.
Loss of staff who answer the 24/7 Epidemiologist On-Call line, staff who work on communicable disease reporting and staff working on measles education for the public and providers.
Support for the NC DETECT early warning system for emerging medical trends.
Electronic reporting of lab results to allow for more rapid response and prevention of spread.
Community Health Worker outreach in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene.
NC Quitline cessation services are now limited.
Mobile immunization and vaccine outreach through Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Partnerships with Tribal Communities that contribute to the health and safety of Tribal members.
According to a recent survey, more than 80 percent of North Carolinians trust the NCDHHS and their local health departments to support their wellbeing. 'This trust is a clear signal that public health is more important than ever,' Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. 'I'm incredibly proud of the dedication and impact of our public health teams across the state. Now is the time to match that trust with stable, long-term investment in our public health workforce and infrastructure so we can continue to protect our communities for years to come.'For more information on the critical work of public health, visit the NCDHHS Division of Public Health webpage.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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