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Kitsap County Child Dies From Flu, Marking Second Pediatric Fatality in Washington Season

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  • King County ER visits for flu-related symptoms have doubled, with the majority of patients being children.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    King County ER visits for flu-related symptoms have doubled, with the majority of patients being children. Source Full size

Flu-Related Death Occurs in Kitsap County Child child in Kitsap County died from a flu‑related illness in January, representing the second pediatric flu death in Washington during the 2025‑2026 season after a teenager in Snohomish County died in mid‑January. The exact age and identifying details of the child were not disclosed by officials. Health Officer Dr. Herbie Duber described the loss as a profound tragedy and warned that flu can be life‑threatening for high‑risk individuals [1].

Public Health Officials Emphasize Vaccination Urgency The Washington flu season, which runs from October through April, is currently at its peak, prompting officials to urge everyone six months and older to receive the annual flu vaccine. Dr. Duber highlighted the importance of vaccination for at‑risk populations to prevent further severe outcomes. The health district continues to promote vaccine accessibility across the region [1].

Privacy Concerns Limit Personal Information Release Authorities withheld the child’s specific age and other personal identifiers, citing privacy protections for the family. This approach aligns with standard public‑health practice when handling sensitive pediatric cases. No additional details about the child’s medical history were provided [1].

Sources

Timeline

Oct 2025 – Flu season opens, running from October through April and prompting annual vaccination for everyone six months and older, a public‑health measure aimed at reducing illness and hospitalizations [1].

Jan 21, 2026 – A Thurston County resident dies from influenza; the Washington State Department of Health records 39 lab‑confirmed flu deaths statewide, up from six in 2023‑24 and 24 in 2024‑25, while King County reports at least 13 deaths [4].

Jan 27, 2026 – Kittitas County confirms a flu‑related death, bringing the state total to 59 fatalities; emergency‑room data show influenza accounts for 3.5 % of visits that week, and officials warn the fast‑spreading strain makes this season “more severe than a year ago” [3].

Jan 28, 2026 – Snohomish County announces the death of a school‑age teenager, the first pediatric flu fatality this season; the county logs 10 flu deaths and 222 hospitalizations, and the statewide death toll remains at 59, with health officials describing the season as “more severe than a year ago” [2].

Late Jan 2026 – A Kitsap County child dies from flu, marking the second pediatric flu death in Washington this season; Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Herbie Duber calls the loss “a profound tragedy” and urges at‑risk individuals to get vaccinated as the season peaks [1].

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