Area’s third flu death reported

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is reporting its third flu-associated death this year, as the number of flu cases caused by Influenza B strain increase.
The adult who died last week was under the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, said Steve Todd, the tri-county health department’s health officer.
The agency declined to state the victim’s gender and community of residence.
The health department continues to encourage vaccination, use of antivirals and good hygiene practices as the three lines of defense that offer the most protection against the flu.