Adolescent Dies From Influenza Complications In DuPage County

WHEATON, IL — A DuPage County adolescent recently died of complications related to influenza, marking the county's first influenza-related pediatric death for this flu season and the first since 2018-2019.

County health officials made news of the adolescent's death public Wednesday, noting that the death took place during the week that ended on Christmas Eve. Additional details about the adolescent will not be released to protect their privacy, officials explained.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of this tragic death from influenza. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the child’s family,” Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) said in a news release.

Ayala cautioned, “Flu can seriously impact children and adolescents and can be especially hard on people of any age with underlying medical conditions, pregnant people, and people 65 years and older."

She then encouraged residents to get flu shots, saying, "Because flu activity is expected to remain elevated for several months, now is still a good time for children and adults to get an annual flu vaccine if not already vaccinated, and to take steps to protect those who may be at higher risk, including staying away from others when we are ill. It is not too late to get your annual flu vaccine, to help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death related to flu."

DCHD officials recommend taking the following steps to prevent the spread of influenza and respiratory infections:

• Stay home if sick
• Call your doctor if symptoms worsen
• Get vaccinated for flu and COVID
• Avoid contact with sick or symptomatic people
• Wear face masks when in public
• Cover sneezes and coughs
• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer
• Clean and sanitize surfaces
• Eat healthy foods and get adequate sleep

According to DCHD, this season has shown "rapidly increasing flu activity locally" when compared to prior flu seasons. As of Wednesday, there had been three pediatric deaths linked to influenza in Illinois.