2-Year-Old Dies from the Flu in New Jersey

New Jersey confirmed its first pediatric flu death of the season: a child under five died of flu-related complications, and state officials said flu activity in the state is elevated.

New Jersey health officials confirmed the state's first pediatric flu death of the season in a Jan. 9 release. The child was described as being under five years old and without known underlying conditions. Family posts and an online obituary identified him as Isaias Castillo IV and reported that he died at Morristown Medical Center on Jan. 6. State officials said flu activity in New Jersey is elevated while national estimates show widespread flu this season. Known details: - The New Jersey Department of Health announced the first pediatric flu death for the season and extended condolences to the family. - The child was reported as under five years old with no known comorbidities and was identified by family members and an obituary as having died at Morristown Medical Center on Jan. 6. - Officials noted elevated flu activity in the state; recent national estimates place this season's cases in the millions, with thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. Summary: This is the first reported pediatric flu fatality in New Jersey this season and comes amid elevated flu activity at both the state and national levels. Undetermined at this time.