City health officials on Monday confirmed a fourth child in the city has died from the flu.
Police sources said a five-year-old girl was found unresponsive in her Canarsie home Saturday. Her parents took her to Brookdale hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Sources said the girl tested positive for the flu virus in a blood test taken after she died, and she had been suffering with a fever for a week.
The health department issued a statement saying in part, "The tragic death of a child due to the flu is a reminder of the devastating effects this illness can have on people of all ages. The influenza season is far from over, and it is not too late to get the flu shot. We urge parents to protect themselves and their families by getting this potentially life-saving vaccine today."
Just last week, an eight-year-old girl in Queens died one day after being diagnosed with the flu. Amely Baez started having trouble breathing and was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital, where she died.
The Centers for Disease Control says nationwide, more than 60 children have died from the flu, and hospitalizations rates are at their highest level in a decade.
Officials say anyone — especially those with compromised immune systems, children, pregnant women and people ages 65 and older — should see a doctor if they have flu-like symptoms.
To learn where to get the flu shot, New Yorkers can call 311, visit nyc.gov/flu, or text "flu" to 877877.