Two children under the age of two have died from flu-related illness in Boston in recent weeks, according to the city’s top health official, who warned of a surge in illness across the region on Tuesday.
The deaths are the first pediatric flu deaths in the city since 2013, according to Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston (pictured above).
“Flu cases are surging in Boston, and we are seeing an uptick in serious cases involving children,” she said, citing the toddlers’ case. “While the flu is usually mild, it can cause hospitalization and death.”
There have been four pediatric flu-related deaths across Massachusetts so far this season. Ojikutu advises parents to vaccinate children six months and older and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of severe illness, like trouble breathing, persistent fever, lethargy, confusion, and decreased urination.
Over the last two weeks of December, there was a 142 percent increase in confirmed flu cases and a 225 percent increase in emergency department visits for influenza-like illnesses in children under five.
“What a parent or caregiver should do is bring that child into the emergency department immediately for medical attention,” said Ojikutu. “Individuals who are at high risk of complications, when you develop flu-like symptoms, it’s really important for you to get in contact with your medical provider. Early testing is important.”
Currently, only 32.5 percent of Boston residents have been vaccinated. “Given the new information and the deaths of these two children, we are going to offer at least six additional vaccination clinics for all age groups here in January,” Ojikutu said.
The clinics will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall beginning on Wednesday (Jan. 7). For more information, visit boston.gov.
