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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Friday confirmed the first two influenza-associated pediatric deaths in the state for the 2024-2025 influenza season.
The deaths involve children in Wayne and Genesee counties who contracted seasonal Influenza A (H1N1). Nationally, there have been at least 57 influenza-associated pediatric deaths.
The state said it is investigating several other possible pediatric deaths from influenza.
Outpatient visits for influenza-like illness are the highest they have been in Michigan over the last 15 years, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
“We are heartbroken for the families who have experienced this loss,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, in a statement. “Last season, influenza claimed the lives of nearly 200 children across the United States. Influenza rates are currently very high, and if you did not receive a flu vaccine last fall, it is not too late to get one.
"If you get sick this flu season, it is a good idea to get tested for Covid-19 and influenza since we have antiviral medications that are effective against those viruses."
