ANKARA

Health authorities in the US state of North Carolina announced that flu-related deaths have hit an all-time high during the 2024–25 respiratory virus season, with numbers nearing those of COVID-19 fatalities, according to local media.

Over 500 people have died from flu-related causes this season, NBC News cited Saturday a statement released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

This marks the highest number of flu deaths recorded in the state since officials began tracking such data in 2009, according to NBC News.

“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,” the news agency quoted the health agency's secretary, Dr. Devdutta Sangvai, as saying.