Massachusetts Reports First Flu-Related Child Death This Season

Health officials in Massachusetts have announced the state’s first flu-related death involving a child this season, highlighting the seriousness of an ongoing influenza outbreak that’s escalating across both the state and the nation.

The passing of the child occurred during the week ending December 27, as reported by the state’s Department of Public Health. Unfortunately, no additional details such as the child’s age or any health issues were disclosed.

During the same week, two adult deaths linked to the flu were also reported, and the count rose to 20 adult fatalities between December 7 and December 20, indicating a noticeable increase compared to previous weeks, according to the DPH’s influenza dashboard.

This child’s death surfaces amidst heightened seasonal influenza activity across the state, with it being noted that flu activity and hospitalizations are significantly higher than what’s typical for early in the season. Massachusetts saw 470 flu-related deaths in the 2024-25 season, a considerable rise from 251 in the previous season.

State officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated against the flu. Back in November, Robbie Goldstein, the state’s public health commissioner, pointed out expectations for “increasing flu activity and the possibility of a notable surge” this season.

“If people get vaccinated, it can help lessen the impact of this easily spread and potentially harmful respiratory disease throughout the state,” Goldstein stated.

Vaccination rates have declined in Massachusetts, with only about 34 percent of residents vaccinated this season, a drop from around 36 percent last year. This trend continues from the 2020-21 season, when 43.5 percent were vaccinated at the same time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggests that early antiviral treatment be administered for patients suspected or confirmed to have influenza.

Flu poses a significant risk especially for seniors, pregnant individuals, young children, and anyone with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Health officials emphasize caution for these groups.

Nationwide, flu activity has been on the rise for several weeks now, with the CDC indicating that Massachusetts’s flu activity is categorized as “very high” for this period. The prevalent strain in the state is identified as “Seasonal type A.”

Recently, the CDC also reported high or very high levels of flu-related illnesses in more than half of the states across the country.

This year, there have been nine confirmed pediatric flu-related deaths nationwide, with the CDC estimating over 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths attributed to the flu so far this season.

The recent surge in flu cases can be partially attributed to a new variant known as “subclade K,” which has brought about early outbreaks in regions like the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada.

Although this season’s vaccine doesn’t perfectly align with the subclade K strain, preliminary analyses indicate it still offers partial protection, which can reduce the risk of hospitalization.