Two-year-old Ozaukee County boy dies from flu, others urged to get vaccine | FOX6 Milwaukee

Two-year-old Ozaukee County boy dies from flu, others urged to get vaccine



OZAUKEE (WITI) --  A child in Ozaukee County has died from influenza, according to the Ozaukee County Public Health Department. Officials say the two-year-old boy died on Christmas Day.

The Ozaukee County Coroner confirms the boy died from Type A influenza. The boy's name is not being released while officials wait to receive the final autopsy report.

In the meantime, health officials say this most recent strain of the flu is unique -- and they're asking anyone who hasn't already to get a flu shot.

"The flu activity is pretty high right now. The strain of flu that`s in our area now is peaking; it`s probably gonna be around for another 4-6 weeks," sais Diana Noack, Ozaukee County Public Health Nursing Supervisor.

This latest confirmed flu-related death is the third in southeast Wisconsin and the second involving a child. A Kenosha woman died earlier this month -- and a 12-year-old Milwaukee girl died on New Year's Day.

Noack says this latest flu strain is a mutation -- and doesn't match this year's vaccine. But she adds...

"There is still strong data to support this will help decrease the severity of your symptoms. It's not a perfect match for the strain right now this month, but there are other strains that will come through the community in March or April and it will still protect you against that strain," said Noack.

State officials say on average, Wisconsin has two flu-related child deaths each year. While a second death has already been confirmed by mid-January, officials say it's too soon to say whether this strain is especially dangerous.

"There's not enough data to support that yet. We wouldn't know that until the whole season is finished," said Noack.

State health officials say nearly 3,000 people have been hospitalized with the flu this season. Nearly 3/4 of those people are 65 or older -- which is a larger percentage than usual.

To protect yourself and those around you, health officials recommend taking steps to:


    Health officials also suggest these important steps:


      Flu vaccine remains available through local health care providers and retail pharmacies, though area residents are advised to call ahead to determine availability. Individuals looking for a location to receive vaccine near their home can use the flu vaccine finder at milwaukee.gov/health.

      READ IT: State Health Agency Urges Residents to Fight the Spread of Influenza