NY Child Flu Deaths Rise To 5: Weekly Report

The flu outbreak claimed the lives of two New York children last week, bringing the total of pediatric deaths in the state from flu this year to five. However, the number of weekly hospitalizations decreased for the first time since influenza was declared prevalent in December, with 2,409 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza, a 3 percent drop.

Still, last week 16,804 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were reported to the New York State Department of Health, again the highest weekly number since reporting began in 2004. Of those, 4,224 cases were in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island.

"Flu season is not over yet and it's not too late to get vaccinated," New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a statement about the most recent statistics. "Statistics show that the vaccine is especially effective for young children, so I urge you to get your children vaccinated today; it could save their lives."

Every county in New York has reported active flu cases, with Westchester the hardest hit of eight downstate counties outside of NYC. In four counties, the number of new cases continued to rise.

• Dutchess reported 217 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 264 cases the week ending Feb. 10; a total of 991 cases so far this season.
• Nassau: 832 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 1,108 last week; a total of 4,148 cases this season.
• Orange reported 282 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 228 the week ending Feb. 10. Total this season so far: 1,111.
• Putnam: 114 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 93 last week. Total: 351.
• Rockland reported 144 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 176 last week. Total: 689.
• Suffolk: 1,131 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 1,081 last week. Total: 4,382
• Ulster reported 124 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 67 last week. Total: 459.
• Westchester: 972 cases the week ending Feb. 3 and 1,207 the week ending Feb. 10. Total: 5,068.

As of Feb. 10, 69,365 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza have been reported in New York and 14,354 people have been hospitalized. There have been 5 pediatric influenza deaths and 11,036 children under the age of five have been diagnosed with lab confirmed influenza and 926 have been hospitalized, state officials said.

During last year's flu season, there were 12,912 flu-related hospitalizations and eight pediatric deaths in New York. Over the last four years, there have been a total of 25 pediatric flu deaths in New York State and an average of 10,571 flu-related hospitalizations a year, state officials said.

According to a report issued Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is estimating 36 percent vaccine effectiveness against all strains of influenza this flu season. The report also shows that the flu vaccine is 59 percent effective among children aged 6 months to 8 years of age. According to the CDC, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, as long as influenza viruses are circulating.

Earlier this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a 30-day budget amendment to increase convenience and vaccine accessibility by amending state education law allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18. It's meant to encourage pharmacies to enroll in the New York State Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines to children and individuals regardless of their ability to pay.

Last week, Cuomo directed the New York State Department of Health to authorize enhanced reimbursement for counties statewide to help fund expanded efforts to promote and increase access to flu vaccines statewide. The health department's website links to each local health department providing the public a one-stop-shop approach to individual counties' expanded efforts. Additionally, the HealthMap Vaccine Finder also identifies locations where vaccines can be found at other locations in New York State.

Flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent illness and influenza complications, including those that can lead to hospitalization, state health officials said. Even when flu vaccine does not prevent illness, it still lessens the severity and shortens the duration of the flu.

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