Officials are investigating the death of a 6-year-old Clarkston girl. Initial tests indicate a severe case of Influenza B may be involved in her death, Saturday, according to a press release from Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services.
Another child, a 5-year-old Highland boy, also reportedly died, Saturday. A respiratory infection along with childhood asthma may have contributed to his death, according to the report.
County health and medical examiner offices said the case is pending and had no further information, but had a warning.
“Even though this has been a mild influenza season, there have been 43 pediatric influenza-associated deaths in the United States,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, chief of medical services at county health.
Children with flu-like symptoms such as sudden fever with upper respiratory problems should be checked by a doctor, Vaishampayan said.