Sixth life lost to coronavirus in Imperial County

Health officials also confirm a death due to influenza

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) announced Wednesday the death of a sixth Valley coronavirus patient.

Health officials say the patient was a middle-aged adult with no known underlying health conditions.

ICPHD has also learned of the death of an elderly resident diagnosed with influenza. That patient, who had health problems, was hospitalized outside of Imperial County at the time of their death. Flu has killed 9 people in the Valley so far this year.

“Any loss of life is tragic. We want to urge everyone to take the necessary steps to avoid getting sick,” said Dr. Stephen Munday, Imperial County Health Officer.

"These latest deaths are a sobering reminder that both COVID-19 and seasonal flu pose serious risks to the health of our community. Please continue to be proactive, stay at home, follow health and safety guidance, and if you haven’t already done so, contact your healthcare provider to inquire about the flu vaccine. The flu virus can continue to circulate throughout April and can linger past. It’s not too late to get vaccinated.” advised Dr. Munday.

Here are the latest statistics from ICPHD:

Coronavirus in Imperial County

California currently has nearly 36,000 cases of coronavirus. The illness is blamed for more than 1,300 deaths.

[Related: Coronavirus Cases in California]