The Department of Mental Health and Hygiene announced the confirmed case of the seasonal flu in Maryland Friday.
The laboratory-confirmed case of the flu has been detected in an adult near Washington D.C.
Officials urge Maryland residents to get a flu shot help prevent the disease.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the FluMist nasal spray vaccine not be used for the 2016-2017 influenza season.
Press Release: Maryland sees 1st confirmed case of seasonal flu, urges residents to get shots. https://t.co/8Vx2AO3Ivx
— DHMH (@MarylandDHMH) October 7, 2016
The virus can spread through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact with infected people.
People at high risk to contract the disease are children under 5 years old, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with serious medical conditions.
The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.
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