San Bernardino County records first pediatric flu death of 2026-27

An infant in San Bernardino County died of influenza, marking the first confirmed pediatric death from the virus in the current 2026-27 season. The San Bernardino County Public Health Department announced the death on Friday afternoon, October 30. The department stated that the child had underlying medical conditions and was too young to receive a flu vaccine. The release did not specify the child's exact age or city of residence.

The 2025-26 flu season, which spanned from November 1 to April 30, saw its first pediatric flu death in February. Emergency room visits for flu typically peak between December and February. However, the current health release indicates that flu and flu-like illnesses are rising earlier in the season than expected. Officials are urging residents to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, particularly among the youngest population members.

Dr. Sharon Wang, the San Bernardino County Health Officer, expressed the department's condolences in a written statement. "Losing a child to flu is a devastating reminder of how serious respiratory viruses can be, especially for our youngest and most vulnerable residents," Wang wrote. The department recommends that all individuals aged six months and older receive an annual flu shot. Vaccinations can be scheduled through personal doctors, local pharmacies, or county-hosted clinics.

In neighboring Riverside County, a report on the Riverside University Health System website for the week ending October 24 indicated that no flu deaths had been recorded in that jurisdiction yet. A spokesperson for the Riverside County health department was not available for comment on Friday evening. Similarly, a spokesperson for San Bernardino County was not immediately reachable to provide additional details on the infant's specific circumstances or the broader local case count.

Common symptoms associated with the flu include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. The San Bernardino County Public Health Department is currently hosting flu shot clinics to increase access for residents. Both San Bernardino and Riverside counties are providing lists of available clinic locations and scheduling options for the public.