(WWJ) — Two children have died from the flu, the first two influenza-associated pediatric deaths in Michigan for the 2024-2025 flu season.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday the deaths involve children in Wayne and Genesee Counties who contracted seasonal Influenza A (H1N1).
MDHHS did not release the ages of the children and did not say when they died.
Health officials said several other Michigan pediatric influenza deaths are currently under investigation and future updates will be available in the weekly Michigan Flu Focus report.
“We are heartbroken for the families who have experienced this loss,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive.
MDHHS officials say there have been at least 57 flu-related deaths nationwide this season. Last year there were nearly 200 children who died from the flu across the US, according to the department.
Bagdasarian said flu rates are “currently very high” and MDHHS is encouraging Michiganders to get a flu shot if they have not yet this season.
“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,” Bagdasarian said, per a press release.
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County Health Director and Director of Health, Human and Veterans Services, said “flu kills and this is a tragic reminder.”
“But we have life-saving vaccines. And the best way to protect your kids is by getting them and ourselves vaccinated,” El-Sayed said.
Dr. Michela Corsi, medical director of the Genesee County Health Department called the deaths “a somber reminder of the serious impact flu can have, especially on vulnerable groups such as young children and older adults.”
“Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from the flu. Even at this point in the season, getting vaccinated can make a significant difference in preventing serious outcomes and safeguarding our communities,” Corsi said.
The MDHHS says outpatient visits for influenza-like illness are “the highest they have been in Michigan over the last 15 years.” Since the start of this flu season, nearly 10,000 flu-related hospitalizations have been reported in Michigan and influenza hospitalizations have increased each week since Saturday, Nov. 30.
There were 2,586 hospitalizations reported the week ending Saturday, Feb. 1, according to the department.
Data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry shows pediatric influenza vaccine coverage in Michigan this season is at 15.1%, the lowest in recent seasons.
More information on the flu can be found at Michigan.gov/flu.