WISCONSIN — Two Wisconsin children have died from pediatric respiratory illnesses, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed Thursday.
One child died from COVID-19 and the other died from influenza. These are the first pediatric respiratory illness-associated deaths in the state for the 2025-26 respiratory illness season.
“It’s with heavy hearts that DHS reports the first pediatric deaths of the respiratory virus season in Wisconsin,” said DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt. “This is a reminder about how serious these viruses can be, but it’s not too late to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated. Respiratory vaccines are safe, effective, and the best tool we have to prevent doctor visits, hospitalization, and death for Wisconsinites.”
The DHS said respiratory illness activity is increasing in the state. Health officials cited emergency department data, laboratory testing and wastewater data for that conclusion.
Health officials said everyone should be vaccinated against respiratory viruses, but said it was most important for young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and people who are pregnant to get vaccines.
As of Dec. 11, DHS said 28.1% of Wisconsinites — or 1,674,048 residents — had received at least one dose of the influenza vaccine. DHS has a goal that in 2030, 70% of all Wisconsinites will receive at least one dose of the flu vaccine. However, since at least the 2021-22 flu season, vaccine rates in the state have declined.
According to DHS, as of Dec. 11, 10.6% of Wisconsinites had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines. That’s 629,655 people.
DHS also reported that as of Dec. 11, 17.9% of Wisconsinites 50-years-old and older had received at least one dose of the RSV vaccine.
DHS recommended the following steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
- Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If you’re sick, stay home. Try to avoid in-person interaction with other people
- If someone else is sick or showing symptoms of the flu, avoid being with them in-person
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth
- Wear a mask
link