Eighth child dies from flu in Massachusetts, health officials report

An eighth child has died from the flu in Massachusetts as of the first week of March, according to the Department of Public Health.There have been 298 deaths among adults during the 2025-2026 flu season, bringing the influenza death total to 306.That is the second highest total number of deaths in the last 8 years, according to the state health department’s influenza dashboard.The 2024-2025 season saw 470 total deaths.The Department of Public Health said there is a “moderate” risk for contracting an influenza-like illness.The risk of contracting a severe strain of the flu remains low.Health officials urge everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated.

BOSTON —

An eighth child has died from the flu in Massachusetts as of the first week of March, according to the Department of Public Health.

There have been 298 deaths among adults during the 2025-2026 flu season, bringing the influenza death total to 306.

That is the second highest total number of deaths in the last 8 years, according to the state health department’s influenza dashboard.

The 2024-2025 season saw 470 total deaths.

The Department of Public Health said there is a “moderate” risk for contracting an influenza-like illness.

The risk of contracting a severe strain of the flu remains low.

Health officials urge everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated.