Clark County records season’s first flu death of child

By Kailyn Brown

Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 | 12:33 p.m.

A child has died from the flu, marking the first pediatric flu-related death in Clark County for the 2015-2016 season, according to the Southern Nevada Health District.

The child was younger than 5 years old, but the agency is not releasing any additional information.

The agency also reported a flu-related death of a woman over the age of 50. No further details were released.

Last flu season, Clark County reported 26 flu deaths and 318 hospitalizations between Oct. 1, 2014, and May 31.

“The flu can have devastating effects on the very young, the very old, or those with compromised immune systems,” said Dr. Joe Iser, the Southern Nevada Health District’s chief health officer. “Any child’s death is a tragedy, but this is a particular reminder of the need to get an influenza immunization every year.”

Flu season typically peaks in January and February, but there is still time to receive a flu vaccination, the agency said.

The Health District recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccination. People at risk for complications from the flu include children under 5 years old, adults 65 and older and pregnant women.

For more information, call 702-759-0850 or visit the district’s flu clinic page on the web.