Dallas County: Teen’s Death Brings Flu-Related Fatalities to 83

Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting a 16-year-old Dallas County resident with a high-risk health condition has died after complications from the seasonal flu.

This is the fourth pediatric death in Dallas County for the 2017-2018 flu season, bringing the total number of flu-related deaths to 83. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

“Flu activity in Dallas County has been extremely active this season,” said Ganesh Shivaramaiyer, DCHHS interim director. “This death is an unfortunate reminder that influenza can lead to serious complications and sometimes be fatal.”

“All indications show flu activity is beginning to decrease; however, influenza is still prevalent in Dallas County,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS health authority/medical director. “Older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children, and infants are more vulnerable to flu illness and should still take precaution.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all persons aged 6 months and older, with rare exception. Individuals should discuss flu vaccine concerns with a health care provider. The flu vaccine DCHHS provides is an all-in-one shot that protects against multiple flu strains including the H1N1virus.

Share this article...
Email this to someone
email
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

William Taylor

William Taylor, editor of Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People, shares a name and a birthday with his dad and a love for community journalism with his colleagues at People Newspapers. He joined the staff in 2016 after more than 25 years working for daily newspapers in such places as Alexandria, Louisiana; Baton Rouge; McKinney; San Angelo; and Sherman, though not in anywhere near that order. A city manager once told him that “city government is the best government” because of its potential to improve the lives of its residents. William still enjoys covering municipal government and many other topics. Follow him on Twitter @Seminarydropout. He apologizes in advance to the Joneses for any angry Tweets that might slip out about the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL season. You also can reach him at [email protected]. For the latest news, click here to sign up for our newsletter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.