(WWJ) — Another Michigan child has died of the flu.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the state’s third influenza-associated pediatric death of the flu season. MDHHS previously announced on Feb. 14 that two kids had died in Wayne and Genesee Counties.
MDHHS did not specify where the third child lived, but like the other two children, they were infected with influenza-A (H1N1).
Nationwide, health officials have reported 86 influenza-associated pediatric deaths.
Michigan’s goal is to vaccinate 4 million residents during the 2024-2025 flu season, according to a report from MDHHS. As of Feb. 15, more than 2.7 million Michiganders have received a flu vaccine (70.5% towards goal) for the 2024-2025 season. More info can be found on the Michigan Respiratory Virus Dashboard.
Health officials said at the time of the first two child deaths earlier this month it is not too late to get the flu shot.
Michigan has seen a big spike in flu cases since the start of January and is seeing much higher reported numbers for this time of year than any year since the 2019-20 flu season.