PA 2nd Grader Dies From Flu

Pennsylvania's first pediatric flu death has been reported in Delaware County.

Authorities have confirmed a second-grade student from the Marple Newtown School District died Sunday from complications from the flu.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health's most recent data, which goes through Feb. 8, indicates 47 influenza-associated deaths have occurred during this flu season. In that data, no pediatric deaths were reported.

The majority of flu-related deaths in Pennsylvania this year occurred among those 65 and older. Thirty four people in that age group are among the 47 deaths.

Six people ages 19 to 49 have died from the flu and seven people between 50 and 64 have died, the state Department of Health said.

The flu virus continues to affect young people at an alarming rate. More than 50 percent of reported cases this flu season are in children and young adults under age 25. So far, 92 pediatric deaths have been recorded this flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The virus has been widespread in nearly all states, including Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia-area counties with the highest level of activity include Montgomery County, where more than 5,200 cases have been reported, and Philadelphia, where more than 4,700 cases have been reported as of Feb. 8.

The CDC's surveillance of influenza-like illness measures the level of flu activity within a state. According to the latest data, flu activity is high in New York City, Puerto Rico and 35 states. In Pennsylvania, activity is considered "widespread" — the highest on a scale of five geographic spread levels.