The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has reported the first influenza-associated death of a child in Hawaiʻi for the 2024-2025 flu season. The child, a resident of Hawaiʻi County with underlying medical conditions, succumbed to what is believed to be seasonal influenza. No further details about the child are being disclosed to protect the family's privacy.
Dr. Kenneth Fink, DOH Director, expressed his condolences, stating, “It is always a tragedy to lose any life, and we all feel it even more deeply when it is one of our keiki.” He emphasized the importance of flu vaccinations, especially during the holiday season: “If you or your loved ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, I hope you will consider doing so to help protect your ʻohana and those around you.”
As the holiday season approaches, respiratory diseases are on the rise in Hawaiʻi. Flu activity is low but increasing; RSV activity is at a medium level and rising; COVID-19 remains low and stable. Information on these diseases can be accessed via the Respiratory Disease Activity Summary dashboard on the Disease Outbreak Control Division website.
Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged six months and older at various locations such as pharmacies and clinics. A list of vaccination sites can be found at vaccines.gov. The DOH advises consulting healthcare providers if there is uncertainty about vaccination status.
Reflecting on past cases, Hawaiʻi recorded its last pediatric influenza death in January 2024 during the previous flu season. Nationwide, two pediatric deaths have been reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for this current season.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble encouraged timely vaccinations: “Flu vaccines are widely available; we recommended everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu each year.” She suggested adding flu shots to holiday preparations.
In addition to vaccination, basic preventive measures like hand washing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes can help reduce transmission of respiratory illnesses including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Masking remains an effective option in crowded indoor settings or while traveling.
Further information on influenza and other respiratory diseases can be found on Hawaii's health department website.