Oklahoma Records First Child Flu Death This Season Amid High Influenza Activity

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has confirmed the state’s first death of a child from influenza this season.

The death occurred in a southeast Oklahoma child under the age of five, and the death has been reported to the CDC.

OSDH has reported high influenza activity across the state, and it has continued to increase over the past several weeks.

Since September 1, 2023, Oklahoma has had over 900 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 16 deaths.

“Oklahoma is likely now entering our peak influenza season,” said Kendra Dougherty, Director of the OSDH Infectious Disease Prevention and Response program. “Even though influenza activity is decreasing nationally, Oklahoma experienced a delayed start in increasing activity than the rest of the country.”

The OSDH encourages Oklahomans to practice good hygiene, cover their cough, and stay home when they are sick or not feeling well to prevent the spread of illnesses, like the flu.

For more information, visit here.