State Health officials are reporting the first child death due to an influenza infection.

Officials said the child died on September 19, but are not releasing the child's identity or the child's hometown to protect the family's privacy.

In a press release from the Department of Health and Human Services, officials said that although the influenza test was not specific for H1N1, the strain accounts for more than 99 percent of all flu currently circulating the state. Officials say the child's death is likely due to H1N1 and the child was at risk for complications from the flu because of underlying medical conditions.

"This is always a difficult announcement to make," State Health Director Dr. Jeffrey Engel said in the press release. "We hope that making people aware of this tragic case will remind others to be vigilant about protecting themselves and their children."

Health officials held a press conference Friday afternoon to discuss H1N1. They said to date, 11 people have died from H1N1 in the state.

People at high risk for H1N1 and seasonal flu complications are:
• children younger than 5 years old - particularly children younger than 2 years old
• adults 65 years of age or older
• pregnant women
• people with the following conditions: chronic diseases of the lungs (including asthma), heart (except hypertension), kidney, liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), brain or nervous system, muscles (particularly those that cause difficulty with swallowing) or metabolism (including diabetes mellitus) immunosuppression (weakened immune system) including that caused by medications or by HIV
• children younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Dr. Engel stressed that vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. Seasonal flu vaccine is already available. Dr. Engel also urged everyone to watch for announcements by state and local health officials alerting them when 2009 H1N1 vaccine becomes available.

"Flu shots help prevent people from becoming ill and from spreading flu to others," he said. "This year they are even more important because of H1N1. And if you do get sick, remember to stay home from work or school, cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands."

For more information about influenza in North Carolina, click here.