Special to IFN

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday reported more than 500 flu-related deaths for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. This is the highest number of statewide flu deaths recorded since broad reporting began in 2009.

This grim milestone serves as a reminder that seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. Prevention and response to these and other illnesses and outbreaks is one of the critical roles that public health serves.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai. “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. Their work saves lives every single day.”

Public health workers monitor outbreaks and conduct disease surveillance year-round, ensure access and availability of vaccines, and provide guidance to partners across the state. NCDHHS staff coordinate with local health departments to ensure they have the information and tools they need to protect their communities when viral illnesses are circulating and provide direct support to long-term care facilities and other settings where the risk of severe illness is highest. Additionally, the public health team helps connect partners to up-to-date guidance and supports immunization planning efforts to ensure North Carolinians stay as safe and healthy as possible year-round.

This news comes as we recognize National Public Health Week, a time to honor the thousands of public health professionals who passionately and tirelessly serve North Carolinians. From tracking infectious diseases and providing life-saving care, to ensuring clean drinking water and supporting maternal and child health, public health is the foundation of thriving communities.

However, recent federal funding cuts have impacted the ability to protect the health and well-being of North Carolinians leaving the state vulnerable to public health threats. The abrupt and immediate termination of several federal grants in recent weeks has resulted in the loss of more than 80 jobs and at least $100 million for the department with more than $230 million in funding at risk. These dollars directly impact a number of areas including immunization efforts as well as infectious disease monitoring and response.

Examples of some of the critical public health work that is halted or reduced because of these federal cuts include:

♦ Completion of the State Laboratory of Public Health expansion that would better prepare North Carolina for outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics;

♦ Loss of the corrections response team that provided consultation to prisons and jails regarding communicable diseases;

♦ Loss of staff who answer the 24/7 Epidemiologist On-Call line, staff who work on communicable disease reporting and staff working on measles education for the public and providers;

♦ Support for the NC DETECT early warning system for emerging medical trends;

♦ Electronic reporting of lab results to allow for more rapid response and prevention of spread;

♦ Community Health Worker outreach in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene;

♦ NC Quitline cessation services are now limited;

♦ Mobile immunization and vaccine outreach through Federally Qualified Health Centers; and

♦ Partnerships with Tribal Communities that contribute to the health and safety of Tribal members.

Despite these challenges, trust in public health remains high. According to recent survey data, more than 80 percent of North Carolinians trust NCDHHS and their local health departments to support their well-being. In fact, eight in ten residents say the work of NCDHHS is very or extremely important to improving health in the state.

“This trust is a clear signal that public health is more important than ever,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, interim state health director and NCDHHS chief medical officer. “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.”

LEARN MORE

For more information on the critical work of public health, visit the NCDHHS Division of Public Health webpage.