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Portland Faces Tragic Flu Deaths; Vaccination Rates Plummet

1/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Tragedy struck the Portland area in December as two children lost their lives to influenza, marking Oregon's first flu-related child deaths of the winter season. With nearly 500 hospitalizations—over triple last year's numbers—health officials are sounding the alarm for vaccinations, noting a concerning 4% drop in flu shot rates. Additionally, cases of pertussis have surged across the state.

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Story summary

Tragedy struck the Portland area in December as two children lost their lives to influenza, marking Oregon's first flu-related child deaths of the winter season. With nearly 500 hospitalizations—over triple last year's numbers—health officials are sounding the alarm for vaccinations, noting a concerning 4% drop in flu shot rates. Additionally, cases of pertussis have surged across the state.