MICHIGAN, USA — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first "influenza-associated pediatric death" in the state for the 2023-24 flu season, it said in a press release Friday.
"The reported death involves a child who contracted Influenza A(H1N1)," according to the MDHHS.
Further details including the child's age, date of death and where the death happened were not provided.
Nine other children in the U.S. died from the flu this week, according to the CDC.
MDHHS is urging all Michigan residents ages six months and older to get the flu vaccine. To find a flu vaccine near you, visit this link and click "I'm looking for flu vaccines."
As of Friday, MDHHS reports that 25.1% of Michigan residents have been vaccinated against flu for the 2023-24 season.
“These are tragedies that no family should ever have to endure,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Each year influenza claims the lives of dozens of children across the United States. This is why MDHHS continues to strongly recommend that everyone six months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick and reduces illness severity if someone does get the flu.”
WTOL 11's Michigan sister station WZZM reports that in the week of Feb. 18-24 the state was seeing "very high" flu activity, according to the CDC.
The state has also seen a slight decrease in flu vaccine coverage between this season and last for children ages six months to 17 years.