The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed that two preschool-aged children in the Eastern Region have died as a result of the flu.
It is a requirement that pediatric flu deaths are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The deaths were reported to the CDC on Monday, according to VDH spokesman Larry Hill.
The exact cities or counties in the Eastern Region in which the deaths occurred have not been released. The Eastern Region covers Accomack, Chesapeake, Essex, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, King & Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Portsmouth, Richmond County, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Westmoreland, Williamsburg, and York.
The CDC releases a flu report weekly on nationwide flu activity. The most recent report, ending the week of December 13, says there have been 11 reported pediatric flu deaths this season. This does not include the two Virginia deaths, nor any that may have been reported elsewhere since December 13th.
Virginia Weekly Influenza Activity Report (Week Ending December 13, 2014)
CDC Weekly Influenze Report (Week Ending December 13, 2014)
The flu is widespread across Virginia. The VDH continues to encourage a flu shot, which is the best defense against the flu.
