66 Influenza-Associated Pediatric Fatalities Reported

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its latest Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report for Week 5, confirming the 2025-2026 flu season activity remains elevated nationally.

However, patterns are shifting as the season progresses.

According to the CDC on February 13, 2026, influenza A activity is decreasing nationally and in most regions, while influenza B activity is increasing in many areas. Regional trends vary; some parts of the country are experiencing stable or declining levels, while others continue to see ongoing circulation of the virus.

A significant concern raised in the report is the addition of six influenza-associated pediatric deaths recorded last week.

Four of the deaths were linked to influenza A viruses, with two cases identified as A(H3N2). The remaining two deaths were associated with influenza B viruses, although no lineage was determined.

This unfortunate news brings the cumulative total for the 2025-2026 season to 66 reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths.

Currently, precise state-by-state pediatric death locations or counts are not publicly disclosed by the CDC.

These totals compare with the last three full seasons: 2022-2023 season: 187 pediatric deaths reported; 2023-2024 season: 210 pediatric deaths reported; 2024-2025 season: 289 pediatric deaths reported, the highest for any non-pandemic season.

Among children eligible for vaccination who had known vaccination status, the CDC's data indicates that approximately 90% of these deaths occurred in those who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.

With about 130 flu shots already distributed in the U.S., access to vaccines such as FluMist continues in February 2026.

For the full CDC report and detailed surveillance data, visit the CDC's FluView website. Please note that all figures are preliminary and subject to updates as more reports are received.