Shiloh
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Source: http://www.detnews.com/article/2009...nty+issues+flu+alert+after+deaths+of+two+kids
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Oakland County issues flu alert after deaths of two kids
Jennifer Chambers / The Detroit News
Pontiac -- Oakland County health officials are encouraging parents to be watchful for dangerous flu-like sickness in children after two youngsters died Saturday after being ill.
The deaths of a 6-year-old Clarkston girl and a 5-year-old Highland Township boy remain under investigation, but George Miller, manager of the Oakland County Health Division, said influenza played a role in the girl's death and the boy suffered from asthma.
"Both cases are all going to the state lab at this time from the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office," Miller said. "It could take a while to know."
Flu season runs through the end of May. Parents should monitor their children if they fall ill and watch for lethargy, irritability, a refusal to eat or drink and labored breathing, Miller said.
"Consult with your physician -- before you got to the emergency room -- and get them involved as early as possible. If your children are on medication, make sure they take all of it," he said.
The state has reported 269 influenza cases so from the 2008-09 season. The state's only flu-related death was a child.
So far this year in the United States, 43 children have died of the flu. Typically, there are 36,000 flu fatalities every year in the nation, but most cases are in the senior population, Miller said.
jchambers@detnews.com (248) 647-7402
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Oakland County issues flu alert after deaths of two kids
Jennifer Chambers / The Detroit News
Pontiac -- Oakland County health officials are encouraging parents to be watchful for dangerous flu-like sickness in children after two youngsters died Saturday after being ill.
The deaths of a 6-year-old Clarkston girl and a 5-year-old Highland Township boy remain under investigation, but George Miller, manager of the Oakland County Health Division, said influenza played a role in the girl's death and the boy suffered from asthma.
"Both cases are all going to the state lab at this time from the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office," Miller said. "It could take a while to know."
Flu season runs through the end of May. Parents should monitor their children if they fall ill and watch for lethargy, irritability, a refusal to eat or drink and labored breathing, Miller said.
"Consult with your physician -- before you got to the emergency room -- and get them involved as early as possible. If your children are on medication, make sure they take all of it," he said.
The state has reported 269 influenza cases so from the 2008-09 season. The state's only flu-related death was a child.
So far this year in the United States, 43 children have died of the flu. Typically, there are 36,000 flu fatalities every year in the nation, but most cases are in the senior population, Miller said.
jchambers@detnews.com (248) 647-7402