Hawaii reviews first youngster flu dying of season

The state Department of Health introduced the primary flu-related dying of a Hawaii resident below the age of 18 throughout this flu season. This youngster was a Hawaiʻi County resident with underlying medical circumstances.

“While specimens weren’t obtainable for subtyping past the optimistic influenza end result, medical and publicity historical past pointed to seasonal influenza because the most probably reason behind sickness,” the DOH mentioned in a media launch at the moment. “Out of respect for the household’s privateness, no additional details about the kid is being launched.”

“It is all the time a tragedy to lose any life, and all of us really feel it much more deeply when it’s one among our keiki,” mentioned DOH Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. “Seasonal influenza stays a big well being concern. If you or your family members haven’t obtained the flu vaccine this season, I hope you’ll take into account doing so to assist shield your ʻohana and people round you, notably with gatherings throughout the vacation season.”

According to the DOH the state has seen a rise in respiratory illnesses going into the vacation season. The company characterised flu instances as ”at the moment low however rising,” RSV instances as being at “a medium degree and rising,” and COVID-19 transmission charges as “low and steady.”

Hawaii’s final childhood dying from the flu was in January 2024. According to the DOH, that was the one youngster dying throughout the 2023-2024 flu season.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control has reported two influenza-associated pediatric deaths for the present 2024-25 flu season.

“Flu vaccines are extensively obtainable; we beneficial everybody ages 6 months and older get vaccinated in opposition to the flu every year,” mentioned State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble in an announcement. “Take one activity off your vacation to-do listing by going to get flu pictures for your self and your family members at the moment.”