[V]ermont has recorded its first pediatric influenza death since 2003, prompting officials to issue fresh warnings about the viral infection’s potential dangers.
The state isn’t releasing much information about the child’s death, other than the fact that it occurred in February.
State and federal reports show that this year’s flu activity is much less severe than last year’s. Nevertheless, state Health Department spokesperson Ben Truman said flu activity currently is “widespread in Vermont, and it can be dangerous.”
“So people should do everything they can to help protect themselves and others, especially the most vulnerable,” Truman said. “Children under 5 years old are at risk of serious complications from flu.”
Pediatric deaths from influenza are relatively rare, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among children under 18, there were 94 flu-associated deaths nationally in the 2015-16 season; 110 deaths in 2016-17; and 185 in 2017-18.
The latest CDC report on the current season, which tracks flu activity through Feb. 23, shows 56 pediatric deaths at that point.
Citing the risk of violating medical privacy, Truman said he could not provide an age, a place of residence or any other details for Vermont’s recent pediatric flu death. He said there have been five other Vermont deaths “where influenza was the primary cause” this season.
Truman said officials are “particularly concerned about the very young” during flu season. If a child has flu symptoms, parents should “call your health care provider right away,” he said.
The Health Department reiterated basic prevention advice including washing hands often; covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue; and staying home when sick. More prevention information is available on the state’s website.
Vaccination also is key, though recent statistics show that Vermont’s vaccination rates are falling among adults and children. In a December advisory urging Vermonters to get flu shots, Health Commissioner Mark Levine said he was “very concerned about our vaccination rates for flu, especially among young children.”
Thus far, the 2018-19 flu season is shaping up to be less harsh than last year.
The state’s latest surveillance reports, for the week ending Feb. 23, show an increased level of influenza-like illness in hospital emergency rooms. The flu accounted for 4.3 percent of emergency visits that week – the highest level of the season so far, but less than the 6.2 percent at this time last year.
The report also noted a decline in flu activity reported by Vermont outpatient care providers.
Nationally, the CDC says flu activity “remains elevated,” and the agency urged health care providers to continue offering vaccinations. But in a report last month, the federal agency also said 2018-19 “has been a low-severity influenza season … compared with recent seasons.”
The 2017-18 flu season classified as “high severity,” with 48.8 million illnesses, 959,000 hospitalizations and 79,400 deaths nationwide.
“This burden was higher than any season since the 2009 pandemic and serves as a reminder of how severe seasonal influenza can be,” federal officials said.
