El Paso boy is first local flu-related death of 2024, public health officials say

A boy with underlying health issues has died in the first confirmed flu-related death of the year in El Paso, public health officials said.

The identity of the boy, who was younger than 13 years old, was not disclosed by the El Paso Department of Public Health in a news release issued Friday, April 26, announcing the child’s death.

Health:How to manage spring allergies in El Paso amid dusty winds

“We are saddened to report the death of a child, and send our deepest condolences to the family members,” Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the city-county health authority said in a statement.

“The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting vaccinated each year,” Ocaranza said. “It is extremely important that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu to protect themselves and those around them.”

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that can result in serious complications such as pneumonia, infections and death, health officials said.

Archives:‘We cannot forget’: A look back at the COVID-19 years in El Paso as global emergency ends

Health officials said that the persons most at risk for hospitalization from flu complications are people with chronic health conditions, adults 65 and older, young children and pregnant women.

In 2023, El Paso reported 722 flu cases from October to December, compared with 280 during the same period a year prior, the city’s Public Health Department reported.

How many children have died of the flu?

There have been 148 flu-related pediatric deaths across the U.S. during the 2023-24 season, including six deaths reported last week, according to the weekly report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reports that flu activity continues to decline across the country with the arrival of spring.

Flu activity is rated as “minimal” in Texas and there is even less activity in New Mexico, which is rated “low,” according to a CDC map with information as of April 20.

Where to get free flu vaccines in El Paso

The El Paso Department of Public Health provides free vaccines by appointment only from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following clinics:

• El Paso Community Clinic Ysleta, 110 Candelaria St.
• El Paso Community Clinic Henderson, 721 S. Mesa St.
• El Paso Community Clinic Northeast, 9566 Railroad Drive.
• El Paso Community Clinic Westside, 7380 Remcon Circle.

To make an appointment, call: 915-212-6555.

More local news:FBI honors El Paso man for community work bridging cultures, faiths