Pediatric Flu Death Reported in Wisconsin

iStock/Thinkstock(PORT WASHINGTON, Wisconsin) — The Ozaukee County Public Health Department in eastern Wisconsin reported on Wednesday that it has seen the first pediatric flu death of the season.

The OCPHD notes that the state of Wisconsin averages just two pediatric flu deaths each year. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says that 3,000 people have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza across the state this flu season. A whopping 72 percent of those hospitalized were over the age of 65.

Last week, the WDHS announced the death of a pediatric patient in the city of Milwaukee.

“Seasonal influenza is not life-threatening for most people; however, this is a serious disease that can be especially dangerous for children, older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with chronic health illnesses,” Karen McKeown, state health officer, said.

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