United States: Michigan has reported the death of a child after suffering from influenza, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
According to the details shared by the department, it is the first-ever death of a child in the state during the ongoing flu season. According to the details shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the latest death has taken the death toll up to 103. The toll has been counted as of March 2.
The latest data from MDHHS outlined that by March 4, 2023, two pediatric deaths associated with influenza were reported.
Statement by health experts!
While addressing the concern, the chief medical executive of Michigan, Dr Natasha Bagdasarian, mentioned, “These are tragedies that no family should ever have to endure. Each year, influenza claims the lives of dozens of children across the United States.”
“It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick and reduces illness severity if someone does get the flu,” Bagdasarian further stated.
According to the details by the Department of Health of Michigan, the state has been recording high cases of influenza. In addition to this, the Health Department mentioned that influenza-like illness levels were “very high” during the week ending on March 2. As per the official data, the percentage of outpatient visits in Michigan due to influenza-like illnesses, was at six percent (6%), whereas the national rate was 4.1 percent.
Vaccination – Guard against the disease!
According to the MDHHS and other health authorities, every individual aged 6 months and older must get vaccine against flu. As it is believed that vaccine can offer the best protection against the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Pediatric death in North Carolina!
According to the official stats shared by the health authorities of North Carolina, the number of children who died due to flu has been continuously increasing, but the number overall flu deaths have been dropping.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stated that since the last report, two more pediatric deaths were reported in the state. Following the two recent deaths, the county has reached up to 14 across North Carolina.
Meanwhile, the total number of flu deaths have reached 281, i.e. an increase of 15 deaths. Most number of deaths have been registered among the people aged 65 years and above.
The current season is a matter of concern because the number of flu-linked deaths have surpassed the last year’s count.
28-52 million flu illnesses – CDC
The official data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that as many as 28-51 million flu-related illnesses, 13-24 million medical visits, 310,000-640,000 hospitalizations, and an estimated 20,000-57,000 deaths have been reported during the ongoing flu season.