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HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – The state's Department of Public Health announced that a child had died earlier this week from the flu.
Authorities said it was the first flu-related pediatric death this season, but it is unclear how old the child was.
Influenza is considered to be widespread in the state, with another 29 deaths from influenza in the CT system since the beginning of the season.
"Our thoughts are with this child's family. For reasons of confidentiality, I can not give you more details about this child's illness, "said Commissioner Raul Pino. "However, I can emphasize the importance of vaccinating children against influenza. In Connecticut, 12 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported from the 2005-06 influenza season to the 201718 season. Only two of these cases (17%) had evidence of current influenza vaccination. "
Figures released Thursday by the Department of Public Health show that four more influenza-related deaths have been reported in the past week.
Pediatric death brings this total to five.
Health officials said all children should be vaccinated against the flu by 5 months.
Officials also said that about 80% of children who died of influenza in the country and in Connecticut were not vaccinated.
Public health officials said the season started on Aug. 26 and that they released weekly updates.
Since the beginning of the season, 1,668 people have been hospitalized because of the flu.
Between August and early February, 4,540 cases were reported.
Stay with Channel 3 as new information becomes available.
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