Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: March 16, 2006
Contact : Maria Wah-Fitta (401) 222-3998

Seasonal Influenza is Now Widespread in Rhode Island
Some Influenza Vaccine Is Still Available In the State

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza activity is currently widespread in Rhode Island. Compared to other years, the influenza season started relatively late; however, the season is not over yet. Older adults and children under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable to complications related to the flu. In some cases, these complications may lead to death.

“Getting a flu shot is the most effective way of protecting yourself and your loved ones against influenza and its complications,” said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “Influenza is currently widespread in Rhode Island, but there is still some vaccine available in the state. We are lucky to have a vaccine that is effective in protecting Rhode Islanders older than 6 months of age,” he added.

The Rhode Island Office of the Medical Examiner reported today that Kevin Garcia, a 6 month-old male from Central Falls, died of “acute bacterial pneumonia (Staphylococcus aureus) secondary to viral (Influenza A) pneumonia” on March 9, 2006 at Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket. This type of influenza is the regular, seasonal influenza.

Although this baby was not old enough to have received a full course of influenza vaccine, it is important to remember that babies 6 months and older are eligible to get flu shots.

“Our hearts go out to the family of this very young baby who died of the seasonal flu,” said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of Health.

There are a number of pediatric deaths (death of children of age 18 and younger) in the United States every year. The CDC reports 93 pediatric deaths nationwide in the 2003-2004 influenza season; 24 pediatric deaths in the 2004-2005 influenza season, and 14 pediatric deaths to date in the current influenza season.

For more information about influenza go to the Department of Health’s Website at http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/index.php