Abdelrahman
Michigan health authorities have announced the tragic confirmation of the state’s first two pediatric deaths linked to the flu for the 2024-2025 season.
The fatalities involved children from Wayne and Genesee counties who were infected with seasonal Influenza A, commonly known as H1N1.
“Our hearts go out to the families who are enduring this immense loss,” stated Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive.
Nationally, at least 57 pediatric fatalities have been reported due to the virus during this flu season, while nearly 200 children lost their lives to influenza in the prior season.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is actively investigating additional suspected influenza-related deaths among children.
Officials encourage residents of Michigan aged six months and older to receive their flu vaccinations.
“Influenza levels are currently alarmingly high. If you haven’t yet been vaccinated this fall, it’s not too late,” Bagdasarian emphasized. “Getting vaccinated can help prevent serious complications from influenza, including hospitalization and death.”
Health officials recommend everyone who falls ill during the flu season to undergo a COVID-19 test.
“We have effective antiviral treatments for both COVID-19 and the flu,” Bagdasarian noted. “Consult with your healthcare provider for more information.”
Health officials in both Wayne and Genesee counties reinforced these recommendations.
“Flu can be deadly, and this serves as a harsh reminder,” stated Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County’s Health Director. “Fortunately, we have access to life-saving vaccines, and the best way to protect our children is to ensure they are vaccinated.”
Similarly, Michela Corsi, medical director of the Genesee County Health Department, echoed these sentiments.
“This heartbreaking loss highlights the serious consequences that the flu can have, particularly on vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly,” she remarked. “Vaccination is still the most reliable method to mitigate the risk of severe illness and complications associated with the flu.”
During the 2023-2024 flu season, Michigan reported eight pediatric flu deaths, compared to five fatalities in the 2022-2023 season and just one in the 2021-2022 season.
Henry Ford Health has observed a significant increase in their flu positivity rates, which have more than doubled over the last month.
“Since late December, we have detected a rise in flu cases,” a spokesperson from Henry Ford stated. “Currently, our flu positivity rate exceeds 30%, which is more than double what it was just a month ago.”
In line with this, an epidemiologist from Corewell Health commented that this flu season has been busier than usual, with increased flu-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations compared to previous years.
“Emergency rooms are seeing a considerable number of patients diagnosed with Influenza A, which is currently the predominant respiratory disease in the community,” explained Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, Medical Director of Epidemiology at Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan. “While many patients are presenting flu-like symptoms, most do not require hospitalization or intensive care.”
According to Dr. Arsala Bakhtyar, Medical Director of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at Corewell Health, the surge of influenza A cases began shortly after New Year’s.
“The situation worsens when parents choose not to vaccinate their children against influenza,” Bakhtyar remarked. “Currently, the ratio of pediatric visits to hospitalization remains low, and we are managing most cases within ERs and outpatient clinics.”
For more information, contact cramirez@detroitnews.com
Follow me on X: @CharlesERamirez
