Child in central NC dies as a result of the flu

Three new flu deaths, including the death of a child, were reported in North Carolina last week, bringing the total number of deaths for the season so far to 12, according to numbers released Thursday by the North Carolina Department of Health.

The child, who lived in central North Carolina, is the first pediatric death reported in the state for the 2017-2018 flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, nine pediatric flu deaths have been reported across the country as of Dec. 16.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the child’s family,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “If anything positive comes from this tragic loss, we hope it will be that people understand that flu is a serious illness. Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against flu, and it’s still not too late to get a flu shot.
The child's name, gender and hometown have not been released in order to protect the family's privacy, the North Carolina Department of Health said.