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Eight-year-old dies from complications of type B influenza

An eight-year-old girl has died from serious complications triggered by type B influenza, marking the fourth flu-related fatality in Taiwan this winter, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Monday.

The youngster was the third flu-related death reported in the past two weeks, center officials said.

The Changhua resident came down with fever and experienced loss of appetite on Jan. 16 and began displaying symptoms of sleepiness and red, swollen eyes on Jan. 21, officials said.

Hospitalized on Jan. 23 for severe sleepiness, the girl was diagnosed as suffering from acute myocarditis and died later the same day from multiple organ failure, they said.

CDC Deputy Director-General Shih Wen-yi (施文儀) said that tests confirmed that the girl was infected with type B influenza.

Shih said the girl had not received flu vaccination in the last two years.

Center tallies showed that 19 cases of severe influenza have been reported this year, with all four fatalities caused by the type B influenza virus.

Shih said that although the number of flu cases reported around the country has been declining, the center will hold a meeting in the near future to discuss measures to better control the outbreak.

Meanwhile, officials reminded the public that receiving flu vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.

Noting that there are still 40,000 doses of free vaccines available for children between six months and three-years of age, the officials urged parents to have their children vaccinated as soon as possible.
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