A child under age 10 is the first flu-related death of the season in Riverside County, public health officials said Thursday, Dec. 1.
The child, who lives in the county’s western half, died at a hospital after being taken there with respiratory problems, a public health department news release states.
The child, whose name was not released, tested positive for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, the release states.
“Any premature death is a tragedy, but the death of a child is particularly difficult,” Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari said in the release. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and others impacted by the death of this young child.”
The flu season, along with a rise in RSV and COVID-19 cases, have strained county hospitals and “jammed emergency departments with ailing patients,” the release states.
Young children and infants with still-developing immune systems, as well as those with underlying health conditions or heart defects, are especially at risk from severe illness from the flu. Officials urge the public to be extra careful when holding or kissing newborns, wash their hands beforehand and consider wearing a mask.
Hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping sick children at home, indoor masking and disinfecting frequently used surfaces are other flu prevention measures.
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