A child in Maine has died from influenza, marking the state’s first pediatric flu-related death of the 2024 through 2025 season, health officials announced last week.
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they were notified of the death on March 19, according to a public health advisory issued on March 25. The child tested positive for influenza B, with additional details including the child’s age and location undisclosed to protect the family’s privacy.
State health officials said flu activity remains high throughout the state, with laboratory-confirmed cases reported in all 16 counties. Health officials noted that Influenza A/H3 and Influenza A/H1N1 have been the predominant strains circulating in Maine this season, according to the advisory.
As of the latest information, the Maine CDC has identified 146 flu outbreaks across the state, with healthcare facilities reporting more than 1,200 hospitalizations.
Dr. Isaac Benowitz, Maine’s State Epidemiologist, said in the advisory that influenza vaccines are still available and encouraged residents who haven’t received their shot to do so.
“The influenza vaccine is still available, and clinicians should continue to suspect influenza, educate patients on general respiratory hygiene strategies that help prevent influenza infection, and offer seasonal influenza vaccine to people who have not yet received it for the 2024–2025 influenza season,” the advisory stated.
In January, Arizona reported its first child death from influenza for the 2025 season, according to the Pinal County Public Health Services District.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to this child’s family,” said Pinal County Health Director Merissa Mendoza in a January press release.
Similarly, Ohio reported in February that a teenager under 18 years old from Allen County had died from flu-related complications, marking that state’s own first pediatric death of the season.
“Sadly, this tragic death reminds us that influenza, though common, is a serious health threat,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff in an announcement at the time. “It’s not too late for parents and kids to get a flu vaccine. It may very well prevent you or your loved ones from getting seriously ill.”
According to the Ohio Department of Health, the United States sees approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and over 20,000 flu-related deaths annually. Most people recover from the flu within one to two weeks, but certain groups are at more risk for complications, including pregnant women, children under 5, adults 65 and older, and those with chronic medical conditions.
The Maine CDC is promoting its “No Flu 4 You” guidelines to help prevent further spread of the virus, which includes recommendations of getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, covering coughs, and staying home when sick until 24 hours after one’s fever is gone without the help of medication.
Maine provides free flu vaccines for children under 19. Anyone with questions about vaccination can contact the Maine Immunization Program at 800-867-4775.