Flu

Authorities did not release any other details about the victim except to say that the toddler was a North Jersey resident.

"Meningitis B is very serious not only because of how highly-contagious it is, but also how quickly it can progress if not detected and treated early on," said Dr. Richard Bezozo, CEO of Linden-based Care Station Medical Group.

If someone in your house has the flu, there are several things you can do to avoid getting sick yourself.

New Jersey has confirmed a Central Jersey child's death was the first pediatric flu death of this season.

Flu activity has gotten so serious the head of the New Jersey Health Department is making a direct appeal to New Jerseyans to get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so.

New Jersey has had 21,831 confirmed influenza cases since the beginning of October, compared to 9,969 confirmed influenza cases last year at this time.

The number of confirmed flu cases in the Garden State rose from 17,962 last week to 20,478 this week, an increase of slightly more than 14%, according to a new report by the state Health Department.

According to the federal data, vaccination rates among employees registered below 60% last flu season at Inspira Health Network's three hospitals in Elmer, Vineland and Woodbury.

“Looking at what we’re seeing with emergency department visits and admissions, we’re still seeing extremely high levels across New Jersey in comparison with previous flu seasons,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan.

The Elizabeth girl is the third person to be confirmed with a fatal case of the flu as the number dead grows again.