New Jersey Department of Health confirms first pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 season

TRENTON (WPVI) — The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 season.

The child, from North Jersey, was under five years old and had no known health issues.

“This flu season is already shaping up to be a very serious one, with more cases than previous years and, tragically, one child’s death this week,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family.”

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Certain people are at a higher risk for serious complications from the flu, including children under five years old and people 65 and older.

Hospitals across the region are seeing a growing number of patients with respiratory illnesses as flu activity continues to rise nationwide.

Officials remind the public that vaccinations are the best way to stop the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.