The child’s death is not related to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the county Health Department said in a statement Wednesday. According to the department, the elementary school-age child got ill and died in late February and that an investigation has determined that the death was cause by a flu infection. “We pay very close attention to pediatric flu deaths,” said Dr. Bob England, county health director. While the current public health focus is on the coronavirus outbreak, the child’s death from the flu “is a somber reminder that other respiratory illnesses cause sad outcomes like this every year,” England said. The department’s statement said health officials recommend immunizations for everyone at least 6 months old and everyday preventive actions. Those include covering coughs and sneezes, staying away from sick people and washing hands often. “If you have not gotten vaccinated against the flu, you still should,” England said. “But next year, please get it early. The risk of influenza among vulnerable groups such as children under five and the adults over 65 remains very real and can have devastating consequences.”
1st child death this year from flu reported in Pima County.