OSDH: Child Dies Of Influenza In Oklahoma, First Pediatric Death Of 2023-2024 Season

The Oklahoma State Department of Health confirmed the first influenza death of a child under five years old on Tuesday.

OSDH sent a release saying the child died in southeast Oklahoma. No other information was given.

Officials said influenza activity has continued to increase since Sept. 1, 2023, especially in the past few weeks.

“Oklahoma is likely now entering our peak influenza season,” said Kendra Dougherty, director of the OSDH Infectious Disease Prevention and Response program. “Even though influenza activity is decreasing nationally, Oklahoma experienced a delayed start in increasing activity than the rest of the country.”

OSDH said the state has seen 900 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 16 deaths since September.

The CDC has been notified by OSDH of the child's death.

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