Northeast Wisconsin child dies from flu; pediatric COVID death in western part of state

(WLUK) — Wisconsin health officials announced Thursday that two children in the state, including one from Northeast Wisconsin, have died from respiratory illnesses so far this season.

One death was a result of COVID-19 and the other from influenza. Both occurred within the past month.

Wisconsin health officials announced Thursday that two children in the state, including one from Northeast Wisconsin, have died from respiratory illnesses so far this season. (WLUK)

In a news conference, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not say how old the children were, but shared the child who died of the flu was from the northeast region of Wisconsin and the child who died of COVID was from the western part of the state.

Officials said they are working to confirm whether the children were vaccinated. Both had some underlying conditions that increased their risks.

DHS is urging everyone, especially young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and women who are pregnant, to get vaccinated for flu, RSV and COVID-19. Six months is the earliest a child can be vaccinated for these illnesses.

“We really do want people to consider that these tragedies can happen and the best way to prevent these things is, obviously, to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. With the holidays coming up and the get-togethers with the relatives, friends, we really encourage people to get the vaccine for both COVID and also for influenza,” said DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt. “It’s not too late and it’s a safe vaccine and it’s still in plentiful supply.”

Haupt said the current COVID and flu vaccine rates for Wisconsin children is “very low.”

“We want them to be increased significantly. To be honest with you, it’s kind of disappointing, the numbers that have come in,” he said.

For all ages in Wisconsin, the flu vaccine status sits at only 28% right now and at just 10.6% for COVID.

“We really want people to realize how severe influenza is. Not only in the acute stage, but also in follow ups of what can happen after you have the acute stage of influenza,” Haupt said. “Influenza can lead to further cardiac problems for both children and adults. It can lead to encephalitis… It’s what can happen later on. Protecting yourself and protecting those people around you.”

Wisconsinites can take the following daily actions to help stop the spread of germs and increase protection against respiratory viruses:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Avoid touching their nose, eyes and mouth
• Stay home and away from others if feeling sick
• Avoid being around others who are sick or have flu symptoms
• Cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and encourage children to do the same
• Wear a high-quality mask around others to prevent the spread of respiratory illness