Warning issued for kids’ flu

Fri, Nov 11, 2005 (7:08 a.m.)

Noting that a 1-month-old Nevada child stricken with the flu died last year, health officials are concerned about the spread of the virus in young children.

Health officials are concerned about the flu because it's not often reported and it presents different symptoms in different age groups.

"These cases are under-reported because most doctors don't report children who survive the flu," said Dr. Echezona Ezeanolue, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Unless a doctor suspects the flu and orders a blood test, the case will not become a reported case, Ezeanolue said.

Part of the reason physicians often miss the flu in young children is the differing symptoms, Ezeanolue said.

While a dry, unproductive cough is the most pronounced symptom in adults, youngsters often develop a high fever and a runny nose without a pronounced cough.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is urging all parents to get immunizations for children between 6 months and 23 months of age. Last year for the first time the CDC required all states to report all children's deaths related to flu.

Parents may get immunizations for their children at their family doctors or pediatricians or the Clark County Health District.

The Health District has been offering flu shots since October.

There is no flu vaccine shortage in Clark County, Health District spokesman Jennifer Sizemore said. While demand for the inoculation has been steady, another supply is expected next week, she said.

There have been no reported flu cases in Clark County this fall, Sizemore said. Typically flu cases peak in late November through early January in Southern Nevada.

Through October, there have been 119 flu cases reported this year, according to the Health District. That's an increase from 53 cases reported in the same period in 2004.

Since Jan. 1, 2004, 39 children have died from influenza or diseases related to the flu, according to the CDC. Mary Manning can be reached at 259-4065 or at manning@lasvegassun.com.

Number of children who have died from influenza or diseases related to the flu since Jan 1, 2004