Friday, January 30, 2026-Washington health officials have confirmed the first pediatric influenza death of the 2025–26 season after a school-age teenager from Marysville died from flu-related complications. The death underscores the growing impact of influenza across the state, where flu activity has intensified in recent weeks and respiratory illness levels remain high. Public health officials say the situation highlights the seriousness of the current flu season.
According to the Snohomish County Health Department, the teen initially attempted to manage flu symptoms at home before their condition rapidly worsened, leading to hospitalization and death. Officials have not confirmed whether the child had underlying health conditions or had received a flu vaccine this season. Health leaders described the loss as a sobering reminder that influenza can be dangerous, particularly as transmission rates have exceeded epidemic thresholds in several parts of the state.
Statewide data shows flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continuing to rise, with dozens of fatalities reported so far this season, most of them among older adults. However, health experts stress that children and other vulnerable groups remain at risk. Authorities continue to urge everyone six months and older to get vaccinated, noting that vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths as flu activity stays elevated across Washington.
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