The last boy in Cochise County to die from a flu-related illness was over a decade ago.
Cochise County, Arizona — Cochise County reported the first flu-related death in a young person since 2010.
A local child recently died of a flu-related illness, the first such death recorded in more than a decade, according to the county.
“This heartbreaking news is a reminder that the flu is more dangerous to children than the common cold,” the county said in a statement.
Flu cases have spread rapidly across Arizona in recent weeks, and public health officials are urging residents to consider getting a flu shot.
Arizona reported more than 3,300 confirmed flu cases last week. This is 54% more than the previous week and well above the numbers normally reported at this time during the flu season.
Last week, Pinal County reported the state’s first flu-related child death of the season.
Health officials say to take your child to the emergency room if your child begins to develop any of the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing
- bluish lips or face
- chest pain
- Nasal Flare – The opening of the nose widens as you inhale
- Moaning while exhaling
- severe muscle pain
- dehydration
- seizure
- Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
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