Overview
- Dallas County Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that a child died from complications of influenza, the county’s first pediatric flu death reported since 2022.
- Officials are withholding the child’s age, medical history and vaccination status to protect the family’s privacy and will not release additional details.
- Children’s Health Dallas and Cook Children’s in Fort Worth have reported a rise in pediatric flu and other respiratory cases over the past month, and local surveillance plus CDC data show flu activity increasing earlier than usual.
- DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang urged that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine and told parents to seek immediate care for children with trouble breathing, dehydration or unusual lethargy.
- Public-health officials warn the surge could raise demand on pediatric clinics and hospitals and say vaccination, staying home when sick and early medical care for severe symptoms are the main steps families can take to reduce risk.