King County child dies from flu complications, officials say

KING COUNTY, Wash. — An elementary-school-aged King County child died from flu complications, health officials said Wednesday.

Officials said this is the first child to die of flu complications in King County since 2009.

“Losing a child to influenza is heartbreaking and I want to extend our deep sympathy to the family,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. ”This death is a tragic reminder of how serious influenza can be, especially for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with long-term health conditions.

The child, who was previously healthy, died Dec. 15 at a Pierce County hospital.

Health officials said there have also been two reported flu-related deaths of adults in King County this flu season.

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