Massachusetts Reports First Flu-Related Child Death of Season
Massachusetts health officials have confirmed the state's first flu-related child death of the season, highlighting the severity of an ongoing influenza outbreak that continues to surge across the state and nation. The child's death occurred during the week ending December 27, according to the state's Department of Public Health (DPH).
No specific details about the child's age, community, or underlying health conditions were disclosed. However, two flu-related adult deaths were also reported during the same week, and 20 adult deaths were reported between December 7 and December 20, marking a significant increase over previous weeks, according to DPH's influenza dashboard.
The child's death comes as seasonal influenza activity remains elevated statewide, with DPH reporting high levels of flu activity and hospitalizations compared to typical early-season levels. This trend is consistent with the 2024-2025 flu season, which has seen a sharp rise in flu-related deaths in Massachusetts, reaching 470 deaths compared to 251 in the previous season, according to DPH data.
State officials have been urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza. In November, the state's public health commissioner, Robbie Goldstein, warned of expected 'rising flu activity and the potential for a significant surge' this season. Goldstein emphasized that vaccination can significantly reduce the burden of this easily transmitted and potentially dangerous respiratory disease across the state.
Despite the recommendations, vaccination rates for the flu in Massachusetts have been declining. Only about 34 percent of Massachusetts residents have been vaccinated this season, down from 36 percent last year at this time. This decline continues a trend since the 2020-2021 season, when 43.5 percent of residents were vaccinated at this point, according to DPH data.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends early antiviral treatment for patients with confirmed or suspected influenza. Flu is particularly dangerous for individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and people of any age with chronic health problems, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune systems, health officials caution.
Nationwide, influenza activity has been increasing for several weeks, according to the CDC. State health officials classify flu activity in Massachusetts as 'very high' for this time of year. The most common influenza strain in the state is 'Seasonal type A,' according to DPH.
Last week, the CDC reported high or very high levels of illness in more than half the states. There have been nine reported influenza-related pediatric deaths this year nationally, according to the CDC. The health agency estimates that there have been at least 11,000,000 illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths from the flu so far this season.
The surge in flu cases has been partly driven by a new variant of the virus, known as 'subclade K,' which led to early outbreaks in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. This year's vaccine isn't a perfect match to the subclade K strain, but preliminary analysis from the U.K. suggests it offers at least partial protection, reducing the risk of hospitalization.
For more information, contact Nick Stoico at nick.stoico@globe.com.
