Local News
A total of 260 people have died from flu-related causes in Massachusetts this season.
A pharmacy manager administers a patient with a seasonal flu vaccine at a CVS Pharmacy.
Rebecca Blackwell / AP, File
Another child has died of influenza in Massachusetts this flu season, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths to seven, according to the latest data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
The state’s influenza reporting dashboard, last updated on Feb. 7, shows that 260 people have died from flu-related illness in recent months — including seven children and 253 adults. Seven adult deaths were reported in the most recent weekly period.
The data does not include the children’s ages or where they lived.
State data show two pediatric deaths were reported the week of Dec. 21, followed by three the week of Dec. 28 and a sixth child death the week of Jan. 11.
Flu activity surged across Massachusetts in January, straining hospitals and pediatric care units. While current data shows cases beginning to decline in February, public health officials warn that influenza continues to circulate throughout the state.
Officials are urging residents to get vaccinated, particularly young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
“This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action,” Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the state’s public health commissioner, said in a statement last month. “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. There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines.”
Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.
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