An infant from North Jersey died from flu complications in January, the state Health Department announced Monday, the third child in New Jersey to die from flu-related causes this season.

Last year five children died during flu season.

The infant who died in late January had several underlying conditions, said Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the state health commissioner. The child was not able to be vaccinated for medical reasons. In order to protect patient privacy, the department said it will not release additional information.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of this young child,” Elnahal said in a statement.

“There is high flu activity in the state, so it’s important for those who have not yet gotten a flu shot to get vaccinated, especially children, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions who are at high risk for serious flu complications," Elnahal said.

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Flu can cause severe illness and can be deadly, especially in vulnerable populations, Elnahal said. He said it is also important for health care workers to be vaccinated.

A child from central New Jersey who died in late December was the first pediatric flu death this season. In early February, a North Jersey toddler died with the flu as a contributing factor.

Visits to New Jersey emergency rooms for flu-like illnesses peaked during the week of Dec. 22 and have remained high. But overall, this flu season has been far less severe than last year's.

Residents can find flu vaccination clinics near them by calling their local health department or by visiting the website of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials recommend precautions such as frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.