LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says they have confirmed the first two influenza-associated pediatric deaths in the state for the 2024-2025 flu season.
The children were from Wayne and Genesee counties and both had contracted seasonal influenza A, H1N1.
There have been at least 57 pediatric deaths associated with influenza this season.
Officials say there are several other pediatric influenza deaths that are still under investigation.
Outpatient visits for flu-like illness in Michigan are currently at their highest level in more than 15 years according to the CDC. Since the start of the flu season, nearly 10,000 people have been hospitalized for the virus and hospitalizations have increased every week since November 30.
Pediatric flu vaccine coverage in Michigan is at 15.1% according to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, which is the lowest in recent seasons. Officials stress it is not too late to get a vaccination.
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