State health officials have reported the first death due to the flu and respiratory syncytial virus in a child under age 5.
According to the California Department of Public Health, young children are the most vulnerable to serious flu and RSV complications, and even more so if they have pre-existing medical conditions or were born premature.
CDPH officials said they will not share any additional information about the child in the interest of patient confidentiality.
“This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that respiratory viruses can be deadly, especially in very young children and infants,” CDPH Director and state Public Health Officer Dr. Tomas Aragon said in a statement.
“We are entering a busy winter virus season – with RSV, flu and COVID-19 spreading – and urge parents and guardians to vaccinate their children as soon as possible against flu and COVID-19,” Aragon said.
State public health officials have recommended that both inpatient and outpatient facilities without existing pediatric care services explore expanding their capacity to treat pediatric patients in anticipation of a particularly widespread flu and RSV season.
Flu, RSV and COVID transmission are all currently increasing statewide, according to state health officials.
Those who are sick are also encouraged to stay home and wear a mask indoors, particularly to protect children from RSV, for which there is no vaccine.
