Flu Deaths, Dec. 26

Three Pacific Northwest children, two in Washington State and one in Oregon, have died due to flu-related complications. Health officials in Oregon do not disclose the age of the child or county of residence; however, in Washington State a child under five died in the Tacoma area and another in King County the week prior. Health officials say it is the same strain of influenza. Both children suffered underlying health conditions. In Oregon, emergency room visits for the flu were up 1% and the number of positive influenza tests statewide increased by about 8%.