Metro Detroit Child Dies From Flu As Cases Surge In MI: Reports

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Another Michigan child has died from the flu, the state's third flu-associated child death for the 2024-2025 flu season, according to multiple news reports.

Health officials did not share any further details, other than the pediatric death occurred in Macomb County, according to news reports.

The previous two cases happened earlier this month in Wayne County and Genesee County, according to health officials.

Officials said both of those children had the H1N1 type of influenza A.

The death comes as the flu is surging in Michigan, where CDC health officials say activity is "very high" and among the highest in the nation.

Michigan health officials reported more than 16,000 flu-related patient visits from all age groups last week, a 10 percent increase from the previous week. Additionally, health officials said more than 3,000 of those patients were hospitalized.

Seasonal flu vaccination rates are lower across Michigan than they've been the past several years. As of Feb. 22, only 24.7 percent of Michiganders had received the vaccine, according to the Michigan Seasonal Respiratory Viruses Dashboard.

Nationwide, 86 children have now died from the flu, including three of them in Michigan, according to the CDC.

Health officials urged Michiganders aged six months and older to get vaccinated against the flu.

"Flu kills and this is a tragic reminder. But we have life-saving vaccines," Wayne County Health Director and Director of Health, Human and Veterans Services Abdul El-Sayed said. "And the best way to protect your kids is by getting them and ourselves vaccinated."