Health officials said the “young child” died from a flu-related illness in January.
KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. — A child died from the flu last month in Kitsap County, according to Kitsap Public Health District.
Health officials said the “young child” died from a flu-related illness in January. This is the second pediatric flu-related death in Washington during the 2025-2026 season, after a “school-age teenager” in Snohomish County died in mid-January.
Officials did not release any further details about the Kitsap County child or their exact age.
“The death of any child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Herbie Duber said. “We don’t always think of flu as a serious illness, but it can be life-threatening for community members, especially those who are at higher risk of severe disease, and we can all take steps to help protect them.”
Duber urges all people who are at risk of severe illness to get a flu shot. “We are still very much in the midst of flu season,” Duber said
Flu season, which is at its peak now, typically runs from October through April. The flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone ages 6 months and older.
To ensure diverse coverage and expert insight across a wide range of topics, our publication features contributions from multiple staff writers with varied areas of expertise.
