There have been two influenza-related pediatric deaths in Michigan for the 2024-2025 flu season, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced.
The two deaths include children from Wayne and Genesee Counties who contracted Influenza A (H1N1).
Several more potential influenza-related deaths in children are being investigated, and health officials will release updates in the Michigan Flu Focus report each week.
Nationally, at least 57 children have died from the flu this season, the MDHHS reported.
“We are heartbroken for the families who have experienced this loss,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive in a release. “Last season, influenza claimed the lives of nearly 200 children across the United States. Influenza rates are currently very high, and if you did not receive a flu vaccine last fall, it is not too late to get one. It can still prevent the severe complications of influenza, including hospitalization and death. If you get sick this flu season, it is a good idea to get tested for COVID-19 and influenza since we have antiviral medications that are effective against those viruses. Talk to your health care provider to find out more.”
Health officials say outpatient visits for “influenza-like illness” are the highest they have been over the last 15 years in Michigan.
Since this flu season started, there have been almost 10,000 hospital visits related to the flu in Michigan, and the number of hospital visits related to the flu has continued to increase weekly since Nov. 30.
In the week ending on Saturday, Feb. 1, there were 2,586 hospitalizations, according to the MDHHS.
Due to the high rates of the flu in Michigan, health officials are urging all residents six months and older to get the flu vaccine.
For more information about the flu, visit here.
