Pediatric Flu Mortality: San Diego County Records Early Surge

San Diego County health officials confirmed the deaths of two children from influenza on October 29, 2026.

The deceased patients were an 11-year-old with no prior health issues and a 6-month-old with complex medical conditions. These two pediatric cases are part of a larger tally that now includes 11 total flu-related deaths and 516 hospitalizations in the county for the current season. Last year, at the same time of year, the county recorded only two deaths and 86 hospitalizations.

The county’s weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report indicates a sharp rise in positive influenza tests, with the highest rates occurring among children ages 5 to 17. This spike suggests rapid viral transmission within that specific age group.

County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan, MD, MPH, stated that the loss of two children is difficult for him personally. He emphasized that flu vaccines are safe and effective tools for preventing serious illness. Pia Pannaraj, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, noted that severe infections in children can progress quickly. Her care team expressed grief over the two deaths and urged families to vaccinate their children to protect them from life-threatening complications.

Health officials recommend vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older. They advise getting the shot as soon as possible because it takes approximately two weeks for the body to build immunity. This timeline is particularly critical for people with underlying health conditions.

Flu vaccines are available at retail pharmacies, urgent care centers, hospitals, and health clinics across the region. County public health clinics provide vaccinations for uninsured residents. Residents can book appointments through the My Turn California Vaccine Scheduling and Information Site. The county’s surveillance data is available as a downloadable PDF by subscription.