BOSTON (AP) — Public health officials in Massachusetts have confirmed a third pediatric flu death in the state this season.
The state Public Health Department confirmed Tuesday that the latest child to die of the flu was a girl from Middlesex County. The department did not release her age or hometown, but the girl’s father told WCVB-TV she was 4 years old and from Lowell.
Authorities previously confirmed that a 12-year-old boy from Milford and a 4-year-old girl from Framingham had died from flu-related complications.
Last season, there was one flu-associated pediatric death in Massachusetts.
Dr. Larry Madoff, director of epidemiology and immunization at the department, said January and February are typically the height of the flu season and the best defense is vaccination.