Northeast Wisconsin Child Dies From Flu; Western Wisconsin Sees Pediatric COVID Death
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Wisconsin health officials report two children have died from respiratory illnesses: one from flu in Northeast Wisconsin, and another from COVID-19 in the western part of the state.
Wisconsin health officials reported Thursday that two children in the state have died from respiratory illnesses this season. One child, from Northeast Wisconsin, died from influenza, while the other, from western Wisconsin, died from COVID-19. Both deaths occurred in the past month.
During a news conference, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) did not release the children's ages. Officials are currently working to determine whether the children had been vaccinated. DHS noted that both children had underlying health conditions that increased their risk.
The DHS is urging everyone, especially young children, older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women, to get vaccinated against the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Children as young as six months old are eligible for these vaccinations.
Tom Haupt, a DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination. "We really do want people to consider that these tragedies can happen, and the best way to prevent these things is, obviously, to get vaccinated as quickly as possible," Haupt said. He also encouraged people to get vaccinated for both COVID and influenza, especially with the upcoming holidays and gatherings. "It's not too late, and it's a safe vaccine, and it's still in plentiful supply."
Haupt expressed concern over the current COVID and flu vaccination rates for children in Wisconsin, stating that they are "very low" and need to increase significantly. He noted that the numbers are "kind of disappointing."
Across all age groups in Wisconsin, the current flu vaccination rate is only 28%, and the COVID vaccination rate is just 10.6%.
To schedule a vaccine, individuals can contact their healthcare provider or click the provided link.
Haupt also stressed the severity of influenza, not only in its acute stage but also in its potential long-term effects. "Influenza can lead to further cardiac problems for both children and adults. It can lead to encephalitis... It's what can happen later on. Protecting yourself and protecting those people around you," he said.
The DHS recommends that Wisconsinites take daily actions to help stop the spread of germs and increase protection against respiratory viruses.
