New Jersey Department of Health confirms first pediatric flu death of the season
6abc Philadelphia••health
Key Points:
- The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed the state's first pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 season, involving a child under five years old from North Jersey with no known health issues.
- Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown described the flu season as very serious, noting an increase in cases and expressing condolences to the affected family.
- Flu-like illness activity has reached the highest rate on record, with hospitals in the region seeing a surge in patients with respiratory illnesses.
- Children under five and adults 65 and older are at higher risk for severe flu complications.
- Health officials emphasize that vaccinations remain the most effective method to prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory diseases.
