A teenager in Howard County died due to flu. According to official records this is the ninth pediatric flu death during the current year.

County health officer Dr. Peter Beilenson has described the death as "tragic" and "highly unusual."

The doctor also said that most people recover from influenza after a few days. He added that getting a flu shot and practicing good hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of getting the flu.

Health department spokeswoman Lisa de Hernandez said that victim died this week as the flu symptoms became worse. She informed that the federal patient privacy laws prohibit them from disclosing the teen's identity or any details of the case.