The child death toll from influenza in the United States has risen to nine, with health officials in Ohio and Kentucky reporting their first paediatric fatalities of the season. An unidentified teenager in Greene County, Ohio, died after infection, while a child in Kenton County, Kentucky, who had not received this year's vaccine also passed away.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr Bruce Vanderhoff stressed the importance of vaccination, stating: 'It's not too late to get a flu vaccine. It could prevent you or your loved ones from getting seriously ill.' Dr Steven Stack of the Kentucky Department for Public Health called the death 'a heartbreaking reminder that the flu is not always a mild illness, especially for young children and people with high-risk medical conditions.'
The announcements follow the deadliest non-pandemic flu season for US children on record. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 7.5 million infections, 81,000 hospitalisations and 3,100 flu deaths nationwide this season. Hospitalisations nearly doubled from 9,944 to 19,053 between mid- and late December.
Hot spots include Colorado, Louisiana, South Carolina and New York. New York State Health Commissioner Dr James McDonald reported 'the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week' in the state. Colorado recorded 782 new flu hospitalisations in the last week of December, a record since tracking began in 2004, with the majority of cases due to the H3N2 strain, which is associated with more severe illness in older people.
Experts warn that the H3N2 strain emerged after flu vaccines were finalised, potentially reducing vaccine effectiveness. However, Neil Maniar of Northeastern University noted that vaccination remains important to prevent serious illness. About 42% of US adults have received this year's flu shot, and the season typically continues into spring.
