United States: The death toll linked to flu and other respiratory illnesses has increased across the United States; this upsurge has also increased the concerns and worries of health experts and authorities.
Recently, the health authorities of North Carolina have outlined that two more children have lost their lives to flu in the state. The latest deaths have shown that the flu season is still on, and people should not stop following precautionary measures, according to reports by witn.com.
Following the latest pediatric death, the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) updated the death count and emphasized that the number of pediatric deaths has reached 12 during this season.
Out of the total, five (5) children aged four (4) years and below, as well as seven (7) children aged between 5 and 17 years.
According to the reports by DHHS, since last week’s report, around ten deaths have been confirmed across the state.
Where does the death toll stand?
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the state has registered more than 250 deaths from the flu since October. Reportedly, the total number of deaths reported is 266, which was just 196 during the previous season.
As per the data shared by the health experts, the majority of the deaths, i.e., 256, were of people aged 65 and above – with 159 deaths reported for that age range, according to the report by witn.com.
Surge in flu deaths!
According to the reports by NCDHHS, the deaths linked to the flu have been increasing since January 6, 2024. At that time, as many as 54 deaths associated with the flu were reported.
While emphasizing the hospital admissions and cases, the local hospital data has revealed that last week, North Carolina state reported around 900 hospital admissions. Along with this, 2,300 cases were reported during the initial weeks of January 2024.
Influenza-linked deaths reported in 2023-2024
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services outlined that the majority of the deaths were reported among the 65 and above age group, i.e., 163. Along with this, 64 deaths were reported among the people of age group 50 and 64. 25 deaths were reported among people aged between 25 and 49.