NEW JERSEY — More than a dozen children in New Jersey and New York have died from the flu this season as activity remains high across the state.
In a surveillance report for the week ending Feb. 17, New Jersey Department of Health officials said two confirmed influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2023-24 season. The victims were between 5 and 17 years old, and one had significant health conditions, officials said.
Last year, four New Jersey children died from the flu, according to state data.
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In neighboring New York, state health data shows 11 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2023-24 season.
In New Jersey, flu activity remained high in all areas of the state for the week ending Feb. 17. Of the 110 influenza outbreaks reported this season, 18 occurred in the three weeks leading up to the state’s latest report, officials said.
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So far this season, 57,655 influenza cases have been reported in New Jersey, according to state data.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the human influenza viruses. Flu season runs from October to May, and most cases are reported from late December to early March.
Symptoms of the flu typically include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. The virus can cause mild to severe illness, especially in adults who are 65 and older, pregnant, or suffering from chronic health conditions.
State health officials recommend getting a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death.
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