WHEELING, W.Va. — A child in Ohio County has died from the flu.
Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department Administrator Howard Gamble confirmed the death to MetroNews Monday afternoon.
“This is one of the most unfortunate things for pubic health that we have to report,” Gamble said. “Flu is somewhat preventable, but it is a very difficult virus.”
WTOV-TV reports the child was a six year old girl who attended Ritchie Elementary School in Wheeling.
Ohio County Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Miller put out a statement Monday to say her thoughts and prayers are with the family and the school community:
“The passing of a child is the most difficult of losses, but that is what is being dealt with today at Ritchie Elementary School,” Miller said. “The excellent staff at Ritchie is prepared and committed to providing the appropriate counseling and support to students who may need it following this deeply saddening news. Our condolences go out to the student, the student’s family, friends and loved ones and the entire Ritchie Elementary School community.”
Nearly 30 people across the nation have died this season because of the flu virus, Gamble said.
The virus, he said, is widespread in Ohio County and across the state of West Virginia.
“We have seen an abundance of flu, flu-related illnesses both within the general population, but we’ve also dealt with not so small outbreaks at our large nursing facilities,” he said.
He’s encouraging people to get the flu shot if they haven’t already done so already.
“Although we’re in the middle stages of the flu season, it’s still a benefit. It takes about two weeks to work, but we still encourage people to get their flu shots,” Gamble said.
To prevent the spread of the flu, Gamble stressed the importance of washing your hands, staying home when you’re stick and seeking treatment if you are sick.
The girl’s death is the first flu-related death reported in West Virginia this season.