Season's first flu death reported in Roosevelt

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health reported Thursday that a 1-year-old boy in Roosevelt County was the state’s first pediatric influenza death of the 2019-20 flu season.

The release did not otherwise identify the child.

Since the beginning of the flu season in October, the department reports 52 pneumonia and influenza-related deaths.

The department warns that the flu has still not reached peak activity, and that the percent of visits to outpatient medical clinics for flu-like symptoms was higher and earlier than the peak in the 2017-18 season — at the time, the most severe flu season in 10 years.

Additionally, New Mexico’s rate of influenza hospitalization for children 4 or younger is double the national rate.

While multiple strains of influenza virus are circulating nationally, the dominant strains are B Victoria, a type which normally does not predominate until springtime in a typical season, and A(H1N1).

“Fortunately, this seasonal flu vaccine covers multiple strains, including the ones currently circulating, and it is not too late to get vaccinated,” said NMDOH Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel. “The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from influenza and given the fact that this season hasn’t peaked yet, we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”

The Department of Health recommends everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccine each flu season. Groups at higher risk for infection include children younger than 5, women who are pregnant or up to two weeks post-partum, people ages 50 or older, morbidly obese, American Indians and Alaskan natives, nursing home and long-term care facility residents, or people who lives with or care for those at high risk for flu complications.

The department recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if you have fever or respiratory symptoms.

Information: nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/imp/fluv