State Confirms Second Flu Death In MA

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The state Department of Public Health confirmed that there have now been two flu-associated pediatric deaths this season, both within the past week. DPH said one was an adolescent male from Worcester County and the other was a female child from Middlesex County.

Several outlets reported that the death was in Framingham, but city officials would not confirm that.

According to a statement emailed to Patch by the Framingham Public Schools communications manager, the Framingham Public Health Department and Mayor's office confirmed the recent death of a child but did not confirm the cause and said they are "working with the State Department of Public Health and Office of the Medical Examiner on their determination on the cause of death."

City Councilor at large George King said the loss was "Very unfortunate and very sad for the family."

This week a Milford 12-year-old boy died from the flu as well. The two illnesses appear to be unrelated, DPH officials said.

"These deaths are tragic and are a reminder of the dangers of flu and the importance of flu vaccination, our best protection against illness. The Department of Public Health urges people to get vaccinated, to wash their hands, cover their cough and sneeze and stay home when sick to limit the spread of disease,” said Dr. Larry Madoff, Director of Epidemiology and Immunization in the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

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