Before that, the last pediatric death in the county was in 2015, according to a news release.
Due to privacy laws, Tarrant County health officials were not able to provide details, such as the ages and names of the children who died.
"It’s important for the public to keep in mind that that flu can be a deadly illness and should be taken seriously," said Richard Hill, a senior public information officer for Tarrant County Public Health, in an email. "More than half the country is now reporting widespread and high flu activity."
Sept. 29 marked the official start of the flu season, officials said, signaling earlier starts to flu activity.
Data from the health department showed a sharp rise in flu activity this season, with more cases being reported at this point in the season compared with the last three years.
The percentage of patient visits in Tarrant County attributed to influenza-like illnesses increased from 6.4% during the week that ended Dec. 7 to 7% for the week that ended Dec. 14, according to a report from the county health department. Additionally, about 16% of rapid flu tests came back positive in Tarrant County during the week that ended Dec. 14.
As of data from the week ending Dec. 7, six flu-related deaths of children age 18 and younger have been reported in Texas, with a total of 10 reported nationwide for the 2019-20 season.
If the flu is contracted, officials advise starting on antivirals early, within the first 48 hours, to reduce complications. People also need to stay home if they are sick. Officials also said it is not too late to get the flu shot.
"People need to do what they can to protect themselves," Hill said in an email. "The best way to do that is to get a flu shot."
