Anna Codutti
Tulsa World Breaking News Editor
Oklahoma health officials have reported the first pediatric flu death of this season.
The fatal case was reported in a child from southeastern Oklahoma who was younger than 5 years old.
“Oklahoma is likely now entering our peak influenza season even though influenza activity is decreasing nationally,” a State Department of Health official said, noting a delayed start for the season here.
Flu activity across the state is high and has continued to increase, especially over the past several weeks, the department said in a news release Tuesday. Since Sept. 1, 2023, Oklahoma has seen about 900 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 16 deaths.
Infectious Disease Prevention and Response Director Kendra Dougherty said those at highest risk for severe complications from respiratory illnesses are typically the youngest or oldest patients. She noted that doctors may recommend antiviral treatments for the flu and COVID that can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
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In Tulsa County, 225 patients have been hospitalized with influenza so far this season, and three flu patients have died.
Respiratory virus season may “extend out all the way into May,” Dougherty said last week.
For more detailed data, go to oklahoma.gov to view the Oklahoma State Department of Health dashboard, updated weekly on Thursdays.
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