2 More Children Die Of Flu In Louisiana; 4 This Season
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — State health officials say two more children have died of the flu in Louisiana, making four pediatric flu deaths this season.
The Department of Health and Hospitals says the children lived in southwest and southeast Louisiana. A news release Friday said one death was in early January but was reported to the state this week.
Earlier pediatric deaths were in the southeast and northeast. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define pediatric deaths as those of children less than 18 years old.
The state health department says tests confirm at least 53 deaths from influenza statewide since Oct. 1. But the CDC estimates that the likely total is as high as 600.
Health officials say everyone above 6 months old should get a flu shot.
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