B.C. records at least 5 influenza deaths in children in November as doctors warn of surging cases – CBC

‘This is March 2020 for kids,’ warns B.C.-based family physician

Dec 07, 2022

B.C. recorded at least five influenza-related deaths in children in November, a marked increase from previous years, triggering warnings from doctors across Canada about the severity of this year’s influenza season.

The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed five deaths, but Wednesday afternoon, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) said it is aware of six influenza-associated deaths among children and youth.

Numbers between agencies can vary based on how deaths are tracked and reported. For example, the cause of death in an influenza-related case could also be categorized as a death from strep throat or a bacterial infection.

The B.C. Coroners Service said the data reflects investigations where influenza was identified as “either the immediate, antecedent or underlying cause of death or as a significant condition,” and said none of the deaths were recorded in infants younger than one.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-child-influenza-deaths-1.6677508