New Jersey has reported its first pediatric flu-related death of the season, state health officials announced Friday, as influenza activity continues to exceed levels seen in recent years.
The New Jersey Department of Health said the child, from North Jersey, was under the age of five and had no known underlying medical conditions. The department did not release the child’s identity.
“This flu season is already shaping up to be a very serious one, with more cases than previous years and, tragically, one child’s death this week,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family.”
While the Department of Health has not identified the child, a GoFundMe campaign launched Friday morning names Isaias Castillo IV, a two-year-old boy, and states that the funds are intended to help the family cover funeral expenses following his death from flu-related complications.
State surveillance data show that between the week ending Dec. 6, 2025, and the week ending Jan. 3, 2026, a total of 8,164 flu cases were reported among children ages 0 to 4 in New Jersey. Health officials cautioned that the actual number of infections is likely higher, as many cases are not formally reported.
During the 2024–2025 flu season, 287 children died nationwide, including five children between the ages of 0 and 4 in New Jersey, according to state health data. Experts say pediatric flu deaths last exceeded that national total during the 2009–2010 H1N1 pandemic.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that approximately half of children who died from influenza nationwide had underlying medical conditions, and 89% were not fully vaccinated.
State and federal health authorities continue to urge vaccination for everyone six months of age and older, calling it the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization from influenza.
nonsense! mountains of junk food and shots. Tipshim!