WA flu crisis: Two-year-old boy dies in Perth hospital

The flu crisis has taken a tragic turn in Western Australia, with the death of a two-year-old boy at Perth Children's Hospital.

Elijah Huynh is the 42nd person to die in the state this flu season.

The toddler was flown from Karratha to Perth Children's Hospital, where he lost his battle yesterday.

Elijah's condition deteriorated quickly, but doctors fought to keep him alive so his family could say goodbye.

There have been 42 flu-related deaths in WA already this year, compared to just four at the same time last year.

In the past week, 589 children attended Perth Children's Hospital - more than any other hospital in the city.

A crowd-funding page has already raised more than $12,000 to help Elijah's family.

His uncle paid tribute to him with a poem posted online:

"We loved you from the time of birth," he wrote.

"We watched you grow and learn. My nephew, we shall meet again, when it's our time to return."