A boy with underlying well being points has died within the first confirmed flu-related dying of the 12 months in El Paso, public well being officers stated.
The id of the boy, who was youthful than 13 years previous, was not disclosed by the El Paso Division of Public Well being in a information launch issued Friday, April 26, asserting the kid’s dying.
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“We’re saddened to report the dying of a kid, and ship our deepest condolences to the members of the family,” Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the city-county well being authority stated in an announcement.
“One of the simplest ways to cut back the chance of flu and its probably critical problems is by getting vaccinated every year,” Ocaranza stated. “This can be very necessary that everybody 6 months and older get vaccinated in opposition to the flu to guard themselves and people round them.”
Influenza, often known as the flu, is a extremely contagious respiratory sickness brought on by viruses that can lead to critical problems similar to pneumonia, infections and dying, well being officers stated.
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Well being officers stated that the individuals most in danger for hospitalization from flu problems are folks with persistent well being situations, adults 65 and older, younger youngsters and pregnant ladies.
In 2023, El Paso reported 722 flu instances from October to December, in contrast with 280 throughout the identical interval a 12 months prior, town’s Public Well being Division reported.
What number of youngsters have died of the flu?
There have been 148 flu-related pediatric deaths throughout the U.S. throughout the 2023-24 season, together with six deaths reported final week, in line with the weekly report by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
The CDC reviews that flu exercise continues to say no throughout the nation with the arrival of spring.
Flu exercise is rated as “minimal” in Texas and there may be even much less exercise in New Mexico, which is rated “low,” in line with a CDC map with info as of April 20.
The place to get free flu vaccines in El Paso
The El Paso Division of Public Well being offers free vaccines by appointment solely from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday by means of Friday on the following clinics:
- El Paso Group Clinic Ysleta, 110 Candelaria St.
- El Paso Group Clinic Henderson, 721 S. Mesa St.
- El Paso Group Clinic Northeast, 9566 Railroad Drive.
- El Paso Group Clinic Westside, 7380 Remcon Circle.
To make an appointment, name: 915-212-6555.
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