Oregon has reported its first two childhood flu deaths this winter, according to the Oregon Health Authority’s latest influenza report. The children died in Multnomah and Washington counties between December 21-28.
The state typically sees no to five childhood flu deaths per season. Last winter, there were none, but four children died during the 2019-2020 flu season. This year’s numbers are expected to be within this range.
The data also show that about 474 people have been hospitalized with the flu in the Portland area, compared to 134 last year around the same time. Nationwide, at least 205 children died from the flu during the last flu season.
Flu vaccinations have fallen by 4% in Oregon this winter, and are 10% lower than last December. The Oregon Health Authority has urged people to also get vaccinated against pertussis, citing a record-breaking number of cases in 2024.
Source: https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2025/01/2-children-die-from-the-flu-in-the-portland-area.html