Big Island keiki is state’s first flu-related child death of 2024-25 flu season

Hawaiʻi health officials announced Friday the first influenza-related death of a Hawaiʻi resident younger than 18 years old during this flu season.

Thie child was a Hawai‘i County resident with underlying medical conditions.

Medical and exposure history pointed to seasonal influenza as the most likely cause of illness. This case is not thought to be associated with the recent wastewater detection of H5 avian influenza in Hilo.

No further information about the child is being released out of respect for the family’s privacy.

“It is always a tragedy to lose any life, and we all feel it even more deeply when it is one of our keiki,” said state Health Department Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. 

Hawaiʻi’s last keiki flu-related death happened in January 2024, and it was the only one during the 2023-24 flu season.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has reported two child flu-related deaths nationwide so far during the 2024-25 flu season.

Hawaiʻi has seen an increase in respiratory disease activity entering the holiday season.

Flu activity is low now, but increasing; respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, activity is at a medium level and increasing; and COVID-19 activity is low and stable.

Check the Respiratory Disease Activity Summary dashboard online for additional information.

The state Health Department encourages anyone who is not up to date with their vaccinations or unsure if they are to consult with a pharmacist or health care provider about getting vaccinated.

Flu vaccination lowers the risk of severe disease, emergency department visits, hospitalization and death.

“Seasonal influenza remains a significant health concern,” said Fink. “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, particularly with gatherings during the holiday season.”

Everyone age 6 months and older can get a flu shot at pharmacies, clinics or health care facilities. A list of COVID-19 and flu vaccination locations can be found online.

“Flu vaccines are widely available; we recommended everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu each year,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “Take one task off your holiday to-do list by going to get flu shots for yourself and your loved ones today.”

While vaccination is the best protection, basic prevention measures can also reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Daily actions such as hand washing, staying home when sick and covering oneself when coughing and sneezing can help stop the spread of germs and increase your protection.

While not required, masking is also still an effective prevention measure for respiratory illnesses. Consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor settings or when traveling.

More information about influenza and other respiratory diseases is available at the Hawai‘i Department of Health website.