Maryland Health Officials confirmed the first pediatric patient has died from the flu in our state.
Flu-related deaths are required to be reported to the Health Department but they cannot discuss the specifics of the case.
Maryland public health officials detected an increase in flu activity in the state since mid to late December and are warning the public to take measures to prevent the flu. This includes getting the flu vaccine.
“Influenza is an extremely serious, and sometimes deadly, disease, and this flu season has been proven to be particularly severe,” said Dr. Howard Haft, deputy secretary for Public Health Services in a statement.
“We’re continuing to urge Marylanders to get their flu shots, stay home from work if they are sick, and practice other preventative measures to stop the spread of flu.”
