SANTA FE, MN – The New Mexico Department of Health reported Tuesday the state’s first child flu death of the 2023-24 season.
NMDOH has identified the child as a 5- to 12-year-old Bernalillo County boy who died of flu-related complications.
So far this season, there have been 94 pneumonia and flu-related deaths among adults. In the year In the 2022-23, 2021-22 and 2020-21 flu seasons, there were 264 deaths, 197 deaths and 160 deaths, respectively.
Meanwhile, the 2019-20 and 2018-19 flu seasons saw 254 deaths and 237 deaths, respectively.
The Department of Health says that certain times of the year cause illness in the respiratory system, but it can happen at any time of the year.
Last season, officials reported the first child death from the flu in April 2023.
Health officials recommend staying up-to-date with your vaccinations, knowing your risk factors and using safe practices. More on all that at Click here.