Doha: U.S. authorities have confirmed that this year’s flu season has seen the highest number of child deaths in the country since the H1N1 swine flu pandemic 15 years ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in a statement that 216 pediatric deaths have been recorded so far, surpassing last year’s total of 207.

According to Qatar News Agency, this marks the highest death toll since the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu season. The CDC noted that this figure is especially alarming given that the flu season is still ongoing. The final count of child deaths for the 2023-2024 flu season won’t be finalized until the fall.

It’s worth noting that influenza remains one of the most serious public health threats in the United States, causing hundreds of deaths each year, particularly among children.