“We are deeply saddened:" Child in Milwaukee dies from complications related to the flu



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Department of Health Services and the City of Milwaukee Health Department have confirmed that a child in the city of Milwaukee has died from complications related to influenza. The death is the first pediatric flu death statewide for the 2014-2015 flu season -- and the first pediatric death from the flu in Milwaukee since 2009.

Bevan Baker



“We are deeply saddened to learn that a child has died of complications related to the seasonal flu, and our thoughts remain with the child’s family. I can have no words to replace the death of a child,” said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker.

Viruses can easily spread among people gathered in warm places to escape the cold.

Influenza-related hospitalizations continue to increase, with more than 360 reported in the city of Milwaukee alone. The majority of hospitalizations reported have been in individuals age 50 and older. Additionally, across the country, at least 21 children have died as a result of the flu.

“Flu can be a serious illness. We're seeing nearly a doubling on hospitalizations both here in the city and across the state.  We knew that there was a possibility that we could experience a pediatric death. We urge all area residents to take steps to reduce the spread of flu in our community and protect those who are most vulnerable," Baker said.

Not much is known about the child who died. It is unclear whether the child had been vaccinated against the flu, whether the child had a chronic disease or whether the child was immuno-suppressed.

"Those are things we'll find in time, but we don't have that data," Baker said.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. The flu vaccine helps prevent complications that can be caused by the flu, such as pneumonia or hospitalization. With few exceptions, officials recommend that individuals aged six months and older be immunized.

"The best case scenario here is to seek the vaccine while it's plentiful and available because it will lessen the severity of the disease if you should come in contact with influenza and it may actually save a life," Baker said.

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


    Health officials also suggest these important steps:


      "You will know if this is something different if they have the symptoms: fever, chills, runny nose, cough, sore throat and they're not getting better with standard over-the-counter medication," Baker said.

      Nationwide, nearly 24,000 people die every year from the flu, and for the last several years, about 100 of those deaths have involved children.

      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.