4 Massachusetts Children Killed By Flu

Four Massachusetts children have died from influenza-related illness, health officials said.

"Tragically, influenza has already been reported to be associated with the deaths of three pediatric patients in Massachusetts during recent weeks," the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported Monday before a fourth child died that night.

"One death was referenced in yesterday’s press release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the second was confirmed overnight, bringing the state total to four pediatric flu-related deaths," according to a press release issued Tuesday by the office of Mayor Michelle Wu.

Related: Subclade K Mutation Causing Surge Of Flu Cases In MA: What To Know

"These are the first reported flu deaths in children in Boston since 2013," the release from Wu's office said.

“Flu cases are surging in Boston, and we are seeing an uptick in serious cases involving children, including the tragic deaths of two very young children,” Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of public health for the city of Boston, said in a media release.

“While the flu is usually mild, it can cause hospitalization and death," Ojikutu said. "Children under the age of two are at higher risk. Parents should get their children ages six months and older vaccinated as soon as possible to decrease the risk of severe complications. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child has flu symptoms and also has signs of more severe illness, like trouble breathing, decreased urination, persistently high fever or becomes extremely lethargic and difficult to arouse.”

Related: Major Changes To Childhood Vaccine Schedule Announced By CDC: What To Know In MA

In addition to the four children, at least 29 adults have succumbed to influenza-related illness, according to the state's department of public health.

“This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action,” Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a media release.

“These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain," Goldstein said.

Related: MA Reports 1st Flu-Related Child Death Of Season

"There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines," he said. "They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.”

Influenza-like illness activity remained very high in Massachusetts and the severity of influenza was high, the department of public health warned.

Influenza-like illness hospital visits are above baseline in the latest data and have risen in the last week.

Related: MA Flu Levels 'Very High' With 13 Deaths In 2 Weeks

During the week of Dec. 21, 11.85% of sentinel site visits were related to influenza-like illness which exceeds the regional baseline by 2.2% and was up from 7.63% the previous week, according to state data.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a new standing order last month authorizing qualified health personnel in local boards of health to administer the influenza vaccine to eligible individuals this respiratory virus season, based on DPH’s recommendations.

Massachusetts emergency rooms typically see an increase in COVID-19, influenza and RSV rates during the holidays. This year’s flu season could be more serious due to a new Influenza H3N2 mutation known as “subclade K,” which is spreading in North America, including the United States.

Related: MA Flu Cases Rising As New Variant Spreads