Connecticut DPH Reports First Pediatric Death of 2019-2020 Influenza Season

Weekly Flu Numbers Show a Total of 32 Fatalities and 1,366 Hospitalizations in CT Due to Influenza so Far this Season

Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today is reporting the first pediatric death of the 2019-2020 influenza season.  The child was between the ages of 1-5 and was one of nine additional influenza fatalities reported for the week of January 26-February 1, 2020.  So far this season, Connecticut has seen a total of 32 fatalities and more than 1,366 hospitalizations due to influenza.  Flu virus activity is being reported to be widespread across the state.  To see this week’s flu stat update: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Epidemiology-and-Emerging-Infections/Influenza-Surveillance-and-Statistics

“The death of any child is an absolute tragedy, and our hearts go out the Connecticut family who lost their child last week,” said Connecticut DPH Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell.  “I want to remind Connecticut residents that influenza is the virus that we are most worried about right now. We are at the height of the flu season.  We estimate that 10-15% of Connecticut residents will come down with the flu before the season is over.  Please, it is not too late to get a flu shot, and there are measures we can all take that can help keep us healthy this season.  I encourage anyone who has questions to contact your primary care provider.”

All people can be at risk of developing serious flu complications and exposing others.

• It is not too late to get a flu shot to protect your health and your loved ones. Flu season generally runs into late March.
• Getting vaccinated may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
• Anyone who gets the flu can pass it to someone at high risk of severe illness, including children younger than 6 months who are too young to get a flu vaccine.
• People at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

There are other personal precautions that the general public can do to prevent the spread of flu in additional to getting a flu shot. These simple daily efforts can help prevent the spread of flu but other illnesses such as the common cold and other viruses.

• Cover your cough and wash your hands afterwards
• Wash hands frequently during the day with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• Stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting others.
• Disinfects frequently touches surfaces in your home: counter tops, doorknobs, faucets.

The CDC’s weekly flu report: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

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