Influenza-Associated Deaths among Children in the United States, 2003–2004

摘要: BACKGROUND Although influenza is common among children, pediatric mortality related to laboratory-confirmed has not been assessed nationally. METHODS During the 2003-2004 season, we requested that state health departments report any death associated with in a U.S. resident younger than 18 years of age. Case reports, medical records, and autopsy reports were reviewed, available influenza-virus isolates analyzed at Centers for Disease Control Prevention. RESULTS One hundred fifty-three influenza-associated deaths children reported by 40 departments. The median age was three years, 96 them (63 percent) five old. Forty-seven (31 died outside hospital setting, 45 (29 within days after onset illness. Bacterial coinfections identified 24 102 tested (24 percent). Thirty-three percent had an underlying condition recognized increase risk influenza-related complications, 20 other chronic conditions; 47 previously healthy. Chronic neurologic or neuromuscular conditions present one third. rate highest six months (0.88 per 100,000 children; 95 confidence interval, 0.52 1.39 100,000). CONCLUSIONS A substantial number occurred during season. High priority should be given improvements influenza-vaccine coverage diagnosis treatment reduce childhood from influenza.