CDC Confirms Third Child Dies From Flu in Dallas County

Flu season does not end until late March or even early April

Dallas County Health and Human Services says that a 12-year-old boy died after experiencing complications from the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory confirmed the cause of the boy's death was flu-related.

No additional information has been provided about the case.

Dallas County Health and Human Services says three children have now died from the flu in Dallas County this season.

The number of positive flu tests across the country is decreasing from its peak this season at the beginning of the year, according to the most recent numbers from the CDC.

Zachary Thompson, Dallas County health director, said flu cases are going down, but it is still flu season.

"What we want to make sure [people understand] is that the flu strain is still circulating in Dallas County, and it's important to get the flu shot," Thompson said. "We don't know in this case whether or not the kid, the child had gotten the flu shot or not. I think our point is it's still flu season and to get the flu shot."

Flu season does not end until late March or even early April.

"Sometimes people may not take getting the flu shot seriously," Thompson said. "Back when we had the two pediatric deaths [earlier this flu season], we saw a lot of people coming in, wanting to get the flu vaccine. Now there's not been a rush to get the flu vaccine, but we want to say it's not too late."

Dallas County health officials say there are still flu shots available across North Texas.

Click here for a complete list of locations across North Texas offering flu shots.

According to the latest figures available from the CDC, three pediatric deaths nationwide were reported in the week ending in Feb. 23. Texas is one 28 states reporting "regional" influenza activity, a step below the most serious designation of "widespread," according to the report.

NBC 5's Ben Russell contributed to this report.

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