North Carolina has reported a record number of flu deaths this respiratory virus season, health officials said this week.
More than 500 flu-related deaths were reported for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said in a Wednesday press release. The figure marked the highest statewide total since reporting began in 2009.
“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,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Devdutta Sangvai said in a statement.
“Their work saves lives every single day,” he added.
Flu-related deaths in the state were nearly on par with deaths caused by Covid-19, which is known to be a more severe illness than the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC recorded approximately 600 Covid-19 deaths in the state between October and April.
Health officials warned that federal funding cuts to the state “have impacted the ability to protect the health and well-being of North Carolinians, leaving the state vulnerable to public health threats.”
In recent weeks, the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency has been making steep cuts to the federal workforce and funding for scientific research across the country.
A representative for DOGE did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.
The funding cuts led to the elimination of more than 80 jobs and a loss of at least $100 million for the department, according to the press release.
“Despite these challenges, trust in public health remains high,” the release said.
“This trust is a clear signal that public health is more important than ever,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, the interim state health director and NCDHHS’ chief medical officer, in a press release. “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,” Kimple added.
