H1N1 danger to kids stressed – Janesville Gazette
LA CROSSE -- The death of a 21-month-old Cashton girl underscores the danger swine flu can pose in some cases, especially for young children, health officials said Thursday.
Aberianna Noel Dunnum died Sunday at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, the first swine flu fatality in the area and the ninth this year in Wisconsin.
Josalyn Gloyd, Gundersen Lutheran infection-control specialist, said a death heightens H1N1 awareness, "but it is a kick in the stomach when it’s a child, because we see children as innocent victims.“
The death could spur others to take action, whether through prevention efforts or vaccination, she said.
Young children are at higher risk for complications of H1N1 flu because their immune systems are not well developed and they can be exposed to a new virus, Gloyd said.
"They have very fragile immune systems, putting them at greater risk for respiratory distress,“ she said.
Health officials would not say whether the 21-month-old girl had underlying health issues that could have caused complications.
Swine flu cases now have been reported in 52 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and led to 26 hospitalizations since Sept. 1. Health authorities in some other counties have declined to reveal the ages of flu victims, saying they wanted to protect the victims' identities.
"For most people, the H1N1 flu is not severe, however, we know that the virus can be especially dangerous for young children, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with chronic health illnesses,“ said Sharon Nelson, director of the Monroe County Health Department who reported the death.
This content has passed through fivefilters.org.
