Kentucky health officials are reporting the state's first pediatric flu deaths for the season. Acting Department for Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Jeffrey Howard says in a release of the thirty-six flu-related deaths reported so far this season, two of those were children. He notes the average age of death of the other thirty-four people who died as a result of the flu is 75 years of age. In order to protect the family's privacy, health officials are not releasing the children's hometown, county or gender.
The Department of Public Health is reporting "widespread" flu activity for the fourth consecutive week this flu season. Widespread activity is the highest level of flu activity, which indicates increased flu-like activity of flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in the state.
State health officials report the most common flu strain identified in Kentucky and in the 36 deaths is Influenza A.
Officials say another result of the harsh flu season in the number of influenza outbreaks in Kentucky's long-term care facilities. There has already been 49 outbreaks reported this season. The traditional flu season lasts from October through May.
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