Coachella Valley child dies from flu-related illness; third death reported in county

Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·2 min read

Riverside County Public Health reported Tuesday that a child from the Coachella Valley has died from flu-associated illness.

The child, under the age of 5, died at a valley hospital earlier this month. The child tested positive for influenza A and did not have any known underlying health conditions.

No further information about the child is being released.

"The death of a child is a loss for the entire community," Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County, said in a statement. "While such outcomes are uncommon, it reminds us that influenza is not to be taken lightly and we should take steps to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us."

The news comes just a few days after Public Health announced two recent flu-related deaths in the county.

Influenza activity in Riverside County is moderate, according to public health, and Influenza A is the predominant virus this season.

For younger children and older adults, as well as those with certain health conditions, respiratory viruses can cause more severe disease and may require additional medical care.

Children experiencing the following warning signs should obtain medical care right away:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing

  • Bluish lips or face

  • Ribs pulling in with each breath

  • Chest pain

  • Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)

  • Dehydration (no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)

  • Not alert or interacting when awake

  • Seizures

  • Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine

  • In children younger than 12 weeks, any fever

  • Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen

  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

The latest flu vaccines are available to everyone 6 months and older. New with this year's recommendations is that anyone with a history of an egg allergy, regardless of severity, may receive any influenza vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those who should consult a medical professional about flu vaccines may be immunocompromised, have a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, children between 2-4 who have received a diagnosis of asthma or people who are pregnant.

Appointments can be made by visiting myturn.ca.gov/en_US/flu.html or by contacting your local pharmacy or health care provider.

In addition to vaccines, the public can take these steps to protect themselves from flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

  • Wash hands thoroughly and frequently

  • Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Keep children home when sick

  • Consider indoor masking

  • Disinfect frequently used surfaces

For more information and to access the county's respiratory illnesses dashboard, visit www.ruhealth.org/public-health/respiratory-viruses

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella Valley child dies from flu-related illness