A child in Placer County recently died of complications from influenza, local health officials said, marking the county’s first pediatric flu death this season.
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The child, who was younger than 5 years old, had underlying health conditions but did not have COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus, Placer County officials said in a Tuesday news release.
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The death marked the 14th of the 2022-23 flu season for the county, with the prior fatalities reported among adult residents.
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“We extend our condolences to the family in this tragedy,” Dr. Rob Oldham, director of Health and Human Services and the interim public health officer for Placer County, said in a prepared statement.
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Influenza transmission peaked in Placer County and across much of Northern California in December, the county said in its news release, but flu activity can continue into May.
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Local health officials urged residents to get their flu shots, to stay home when sick and to practice good hygiene.
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“It is not too late to get your flu shot, and this year’s shot appears to be a good match for circulating strains,” Oldham said.
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At least 527 Californians have died of influenza during the current flu season, the California Department of Public Health said in a weekly influenza report for the week ending Jan. 21, including six pediatric deaths statewide.
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Because symptoms of the flu can be similar to early symptoms of COVID-19, Placer officials also recommended that those experiencing flu-like symptoms get tested for coronavirus.
This story was originally published February 1, 2023, 8:19 AM.
Michael McGough anchors The Sacramento Bee’s breaking news reporting team, covering public safety and other local stories. A Sacramento native and lifelong capital resident, he interned at The Bee while attending Sacramento State, where he earned a degree in journalism.
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