Tarrant County confirms first pediatric flu death of 2019-2020 season

First pediatric flu death of 2019-2020 season

Dec. 5, 2019 (Tarrant County, TX) – Tarrant County Public Health has confirmed the first pediatric flu death of this season. This is the first reported pediatric flu death in Tarrant County since 2015. There have been three other pediatric flu deaths reported in Texas in the current season.

“Because of the sensitive nature of the information, we can’t share any other details, other than to say that the child had underlying health conditions,” said Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja. “The patient tested positive for Influenza B which is circulating early and predominantly this season,” he said.

The graph below shows a sharp rise in flu activity this season, trending nearly a month ahead of the previous two years.  “We want to remind everyone to get their flu shot,” Taneja said. “It’s definitely not too late, and the vaccine offers you the best protection against getting the flu.”

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