For the 2016-17 season the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported on Thursday (2nd Feb) the first death of a child from the flu.

According to the authorities the child died last Tuesday from complications associated with influenza infection.

The officials said that child resided in Western North Carolina in an effort to protect the child’s identity and no other identity factors were released.

The acting state Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said “If there is any positive to come from this tragedy, we hope it will be that people understand even though flu is a very common virus, it can cause serious and even deadly infections in some people.

Dr. Moore extended his deepest sympathies to the child’s family.

So far this season DHHS said that 19 adults have died due to flu related deaths in North Carolina of which 14 people were over the age of 65.

There have been 8 other pediatric flu-related deaths nationwide this season said The Centers for Disease Control.

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