11 New York children died from the flu this winter: DOH

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Eleven children have died of the flu in New York so far this winter, according to health officials.

The illness has been widespread in the state for more than three months this season, compared to two months last year, according to the most recent data from the New York State Department of Health. There were 20,754 positive cases reported through the week of Feb. 17, which is 7% higher than the previous week, officials said.

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There have been nearly 600 reported outbreaks at hospitals and nursing homes in the state this winter, including 30 this week, according to the data.

The ages of the children who died in New York were not immediately available.

Meanwhile, two children have died from the flu this winter in New Jersey, according to state health officials. There have been over 50,000 flu cases reported in New Jersey this 2023-24 flu season, data showed.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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