Pediatric Flu Death Reported In Western RivCo, First Of Season

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County's first pediatric flu-associated death of the season was reported Thursday. The announcement comes just weeks after health officials reported that a young child died after contracting a respiratory illness possibly linked to Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV.

The most recent pediatric death occurred at a hospital in the western portion of the county, according to health officials.

The child, who was under 10 years old, was hospitalized with respiratory symptoms and had been ill for several days. The youth tested positive for influenza and RSV, according to health officials.

“Any premature death is a tragedy, but the death of a child is particularly difficult. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and others impacted by the death of this young child,” said Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari.

An eastern Riverside County child under the age of 4 died after contracting a respiratory illness possibly linked to RSV, county health officials announced Nov. 21. The child died the previous week at a local hospital after a short illness, according to the officials.

The RSV-associated pediatric death was the first reported in Riverside County.

The deaths come as the community struggles with the impact of the ongoing influenza season, along with increases in RSV and COVID-19 cases, all of which are straining the county’s hospital system and jamming emergency departments with ailing patients, according to county health officials.

The officials urge residents to take steps to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including:

• Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza
• Washing hands frequently
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Keeping sick children home
• Indoor masking
• Disinfecting frequently used surfaces

"Young children and infants do not have fully developed immune systems, so they can be more susceptible to severe illness from viruses, as can those with underlying health conditions like prematurity and heart defects," according to county health.

Health officials urge family and friends to be extra cautious when holding or kissing newborns, always wash your hands beforehand and consider wearing a mask.

“These simple steps can protect the most vulnerable of our community,” Saruwatari said.

For more information about respiratory illnesses, visit www.rivcoph.org.