In the wake of migrant child’s death, New Mexico reports spike in flu-like illnesses

The latest figures from New Mexico health officials show the death of an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy while in U.S. custody followed a spike in overall flu numbers in the state.

That spike was especially prevalent in the southern region, where the child had been detained with his father earlier this month and where he was later hospitalized.

A weekly report from the New Mexico Health Department shows that from Dec. 16 to Dec. 22, people with flu-like illnesses made up 4.5 percent of reported patient visits statewide.

The figure represented a nearly 2-point increase from the week before.

According to the most recent weekly report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Mexico was among several states to see high activity during the period.

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