The state Health Department says the 1-year-old boy from Roosevelt County is among the 52 people who have died of pneumonia and flu-related illnesses since the season started in October. Health officials are warning that flu is still spreading in all regions of the state and that peak activity hasn’t been reached. They say this season is already unusual for how early the illness became widespread. During the first week of January, the percent of visits to outpatient medical clinics for flu-like symptoms was higher and earlier than the peak in the 2017-18 season, which at the time was the most severe season in a decade. Flu hospitalization rates also are higher than expected for this time of year, especially in young children. Officials say the rate of hospitalization for flu in New Mexico is more than double the national rate for newborns to 4 year olds. Officials said even if a person has had the flu this season, getting a flu shot can still help prevent getting sick again with another strain.
New Mexico health officials report first child flu death.