State Confirms first child flu related death in Mississippi of flu season

Officials with the Mississippi State Department of Health have confirmed the first pediatric flu death of the 2018-19 flu season, according to the MSDH.

The death occurred in an individual from south Mississippi with underlying health conditions. Pediatric deaths are defined as deaths of individuals under 18 years of age.

This comes after the first confirmed case of flu in Mississippi was confirmed on Tuesday. 

“We know that last year there were 183 influenza deaths in children, three of which were in Mississippi,” said MSDH Interim State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. “Nationally, about 80 percent of the pediatric deaths were in children who were not vaccinated against the flu.”

The CDC reccomends flu masks, antibacterial sanitizers and a supply of meds to treat the symptoms as well as getting the flu shot.

To locate a county health department clinic in your area or for more information on flu, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/flu.