A Kentucky child has died of flu. Officials urge vaccination as cases rise.
A Kentucky child has died of the flu, the first pediatric influenza death reported in the commonwealth this season, officials from the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Friday.
The child had not received the flu vaccine this season, officials said in a news release. They did not release the age of the child or where they were from.
The department said Kentucky had its first pediatric COVID-19 death of the season last month.
Some Kentucky school districts have canceled classes as seasonal illnesses spread through their student populations.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said Thursday that Lexington had 597 lab-confirmed flu cases for the week ending Feb. 1, up from 286 the week before.
With hospitalizations and emergency room visits for flu on the rise, state officials urged people to get vaccinated.
“It is important for people who have not been vaccinated this season to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible, along with other recommended immunizations, to protect themselves and others,” Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the state health department, said in the release.
Vaccination rates for influenza have been declining, state officials said, with less than 17% of Kentucky children having received it this season. Only 2% of Kentucky kids have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine this season, according to the release.
Most cases of flu and COVID are mild. Officials said symptoms warranting medical attention include seizures, trouble breathing or fast breathing, bluish lips or face, fever over 104 degrees, or a fever or cough that gets better but then comes back or worsens. People should also look out for signs of dehydration such as reduced urine output, dry mouth or a child that has no tears when crying.
This story was originally published February 7, 2025 at 8:23 PM.
