San Diego County health officials announced today the death of a 22-year-old man with underlying medical conditions, who tested positive for the H1N1 influenza.
It was the first H1N1-related death in San Diego County this year, according to the HHSA.
"This is a solemn reminder that H1N1 is still in our community, and our sympathies are with the family of this young man," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer.
Though the man tested positive for H1N1, the exact cause of death has yet to be determined, according to the HHSA.
Although H1N1 is not as widespread in the San Diego community as last year, Wooten said residents should still take precautions such as frequent hand- washing and covering the mouth when coughing, sneezing or blowing one's nose.
H1N1 vaccinations are also available at the county's six public health centers.
"It's not too late to get vaccinated for H1N1," Wooten said. "As long as the virus remains in our community, vaccination is the best prevention."
To date, 63 people who tested positive for H1N1 have died in San Diego County, according to the HHSA.
