Child Flu Death in Kentucky Sparks Concern as 9,000 Cases Surge

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The Kentucky Department for Public Health confirmed this was the state's first pediatric flu death of the 2024-2025 season.

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Unfortunately, viruses like influenza and COVID-19 are serious diseases that can be deadly to some people

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The numbers paint a concerning picture. In Jefferson County alone, flu cases jumped by nearly 3,000 in just one week.

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Vaccination rates remain troublingly low. Less than 17% of Kentucky children have received the current flu vaccine.

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More than a dozen school districts in Kentucky and southern Indiana have temporarily closed.

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Health officials urge parents to watch for severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, seizures, bluish lips or face.

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JCPS spokesperson Carolyn Callahan confirmed crews are conducting deep cleaning of school buildings.

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Health experts emphasize it's not too late to get protected, as flu outbreaks can persist for several weeks.

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