12-year-old Milwaukee girl dies from influenza

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed a child in the City of Milwaukee died from complications related to influenza. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office tells CBS 58 the deceased is a 12-year-old girl who was admitted to Children's Hospital on Christmas Day, and died on New Year's Day. The medical examiner's office has confirmed the child was a part of Milwaukee's foster care system.

The City of Milwaukee Health Department says this is the first child death involving the flu for the 2014-2015 flu season. \"We are deeply saddened to learn that a child has died of complications related to the seasonal flu, and our thoughts remain with the child's family,” said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker.

The health department reports an increase in flu-related hospitalizations in the City of Milwaukee. More than 360 flu hospitalizations have been reported in the city with the majority of them involving people over the age of 50.

State Health Officer Karen McKeown said, \"Seasonal influenza is not life-threatening for most people; however, this is a serious disease that can be especially dangerous for children, older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with chronic health issues.\"

McKeown says the public to get flu shots to help reduce the severity of flu symptoms among the population who catch the flu. 

Flu deaths in Wisconsin are only reportable if they involve patients under the age of 18.