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The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has confirmed the tragic death of a teenager from Greene County, marking the state’s first pediatric flu-associated death of the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season. The announcement, released on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, serves as a somber reminder of the severity of the influenza virus, even as the new year begins.
The deceased was identified by local health officials as a 16-year-old girl from Beavercreek who was previously healthy. Her death occurs as flu activity in Ohio and across the United States reaches “very high” levels, with the state experiencing a rapid surge in infections since late November.
ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff expressed his condolences to the family while issuing an urgent plea to parents. “This death is tragic and our hearts go out to the family,” Dr. Vanderhoff said. “It also reminds us that influenza, though common, is a serious health threat. It is not too late to get a flu vaccine; it could prevent you or your loved ones from getting seriously ill.”
According to the latest state data, the Influenza A(H3N2) strain is currently the dominant circulating virus this season. Health officials noted that a specific subclade, K, emerged after this year’s vaccine was developed. While the vaccine may not be a “perfect match” for this specific strain, Dr. Kevin Sharrett, Medical Director for Greene County, emphasized that vaccination still provides significant protection against severe complications, hospitalization, and death.
As of the week ending December 20, 2025, Ohio had already recorded 722 flu-related hospitalizations. Nationwide, the CDC estimates there have been over 7.5 million illnesses and 3,100 deaths related to the flu so far this season. Ohio typically reports between one and seven pediatric flu deaths annually, making this early-season loss a significant point of concern for public health authorities.
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Health commissioners are urging parents to monitor children for “red flag” symptoms that require immediate emergency care, including:
Difficulty breathing or fast breathing.
Bluish skin or lips.
Signs of dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying).
Failure to wake up or interact.
Fever that improves but then returns with a worsening cough.
With the peak of the flu season typically occurring between December and February, officials remind the public to maintain good hand hygiene, cover coughs, and stay home when sick to prevent further transmission in schools and communities.
