US Faces Surge in Omicron and Flu... Two Children Die

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] In the United States, where the COVID-19 Omicron variant is rampant, flu cases are also surging.

Ironically, the flu was at an all-time low last winter thanks to COVID-19. Due to the impact of COVID-19, strong social distancing measures such as taking leaves of absence from school and wearing masks were implemented, preventing an environment conducive to the spread of the flu.

However, this winter, flu patients in hospitals are rapidly increasing, and two children have died from the flu, according to an AP report on the 27th (local time).

Lynette Brammer, the CDC's flu expert, said, "This winter is likely to be a flu season that exceeds average levels."

Brammer added, "Unfortunately, child death cases occur when the flu virus activity increases. Looking at that, we can understand how severe the flu will be."

Last winter, the flu was unusually mild, and only one child died. Two years ago, 199 children died, and the year before that, 144 children died.

The area where the flu virus is currently most rampant is the capital, Washington DC. According to recent CDC data, flu virus activity is also active in New Mexico, Kansas, Indiana, New Jersey, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Dakota.

From October 12 to 18, the weekly flu cases reported to the CDC from clinics and laboratories nationwide were 4,514. Since October 3, the cumulative confirmed cases reached 13,070, showing a sharp increase in cases every week. Most are influenza A.

Brammer said, "The flu virus circulating this year is causing diverse and severe symptoms, especially in the elderly and children."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.