EPHRATA – The Grant County Health District released a statement on the increase of respiratory illnesses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 in both the county and the state for the week of Jan. 12 to Jan. 18. GCHD urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others, according to the statement.

As of Jan. 18, three flu-associated deaths have been confirmed in Grant County. The deaths occurred in a 60-year-old female, a 60-year-old male and a 70-year-old male – all three had underlying health conditions.

“These deaths are a painful reminder of the high influenza activity seen in our country and in our area. Our hearts go out to the families and friends who are mourning their loved ones,” Grant County Health Officer Alexander L. Brzezny said in the statement. “As the season continues, we urge you to take steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.”

In mid-December, over 11% of Grant County emergency department visits were associated with COVID-19, flu and RSV. According to GCHD, this is the highest peak of respiratory illness-related emergency department visits in the past two respiratory illness seasons.

RSV and COVID-19 saw slight decreases this month, according to GCHD; however, flu activity still remains elevated.

This past week saw an increase in all three in comparison to the prior week in the county with a 0.8% increase in COVID-19, 9.3% increase in flu and a 1.4% increase in RSV.

Washington State Department of Health reported 43 laboratory-confirmed flu-associated deaths to date. Most of the deaths occurred in people with underlying health conditions, according to the statement.

Flu activity in the state is currently “high” and has been the most common respiratory illness so far this season, according to GCHD.

The past week in the state saw an increase in all three respiratory illnesses though with a 0.4% increase in COVID-19, a 4% increase in flu and a 0.6% increase in RSV.