Health officials in British Columbia say a fourth child has died due to complications related to influenza.
In its weekly respiratory illness update, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) said the death, involving a child under the age of 10, was reported between Jan. 14 and Jan. 20.
Influenza-related deaths refer to fatalities where flu was a contributing factor, but may not be the primary cause of death. Previous flu-related child fatalities have been attributed to secondary bacterial infections related to the virus.
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The BCCDC said influenza test positivity and levels recorded in many wastewater sites have, however, decreased.
RSV test-positivity and wastewater levels remain elevated, with some signs of stabilization, the BCCDC said, while COVID-19 hospital and critical care levels have remained “relatively stable” with some fluctuation in recent weeks.
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“The proportion of emergency department and primary care visits for respiratory symptoms have decreased since a peak in late December,” the agency said.
Health officials continue to recommend vaccination for both influenza and COVID-19.
You can find out more about the vaccines and book an immunization at the province’s Get Vaccinated website.
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