Pediatric influenza death reported in NCDHD area

So far, during the 2024-2025 flu season, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has reported three pediatric deaths attributed to influenza. One of these deaths occurred within the North Central District Health Department service area.

"NCDHD shares our deepest condolences with the families impacted," said Heidi Kuklis, director of the NCDHD.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, so far for this season, there have been approximately 3.1 million flu cases, resulting in at least 37,000 hospitalizations and 1,500 deaths across all age groups.

Protect yourself from the flu by:

• Washing hands often;

• Avoiding contact with people who are sick;

• Staying home when feeling ill;

• Covering the mouth and nose when coughing;

• Eating healthy, drinking plenty of fluids and getting plenty of rest; and

• Getting a flu shot.

Flu shots can reduce flu-related illnesses, visits to the doctor, missed work and school and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Flu shots are available at NCDHD and your local clinic. The clinic schedule is at https://ncdhd.ne.gov/event-calendar.

For more flu information visit the DHHS website at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/flu or the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu.

North Central District Health Department strives to promote and protect the health and wellness of the communities in Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce, and Rock counties.