First Pediatric Flu Death Reported for the Season

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI)- The Mississippi State Department of Health, is confirming the first pediatric influenza death, for the 2017-2018 flu season.
The victim was from South Mississippi.

Pediatric deaths are defined as deaths of individuals under 18 years old.

According to the State Department of Health, there have been a total of 17 pediatric flu deaths reported in Mississippi, since the department started recording them in the 2008-2009 flu season.

Nationwide, there have been 31 pediatric flu deaths reported this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control

Mississippi’s flu rate remains unusually high, even after declining slightly earlier this month.

Experts are reminding the public that a flu shot helps prevent serious illness, can reduce your risk of dangerous complications, hospitalization, and death.