In what has been marked as the deadliest flu season in over a decade, a teenager from Coachella Valley has tragically passed away due to flu-related complications. This unfortunate event marks the first pediatric death of the 2024-2025 flu season in Riverside County. Public health officials confirmed the death, which occurred in late March, after a careful examination of death records—a process that typically can take months to fully confirm.
The Riverside University Health System released a statement, detailing that the teen did not have any known underlying health conditions and no record of a flu vaccination could be located. Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Riverside County's Public Health Officer, strongly highlighted the threat that influenza and other preventable diseases continue to pose. "The death is a tragic reminder of the danger that influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases can pose, even for individuals who are generally healthy," she told NBC Los Angeles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 226 pediatric deaths due to flu-related causes this season nationwide, the highest number the country has seen in 15 years. California specifically has reported 25 of those deaths. Health authorities have observed that a majority of those children who unfortunately succumbed to the flu had not received the vaccine.
Despite the tragedy, officials are earnestly working harder to promote preventive measures. "We are committed to continuing our efforts to partner with the community to prevent further tragedies like this one,” Chevinsky said during a statement obtained by Riverside County Public Health. She emphasized vaccination as a key line of defense, stating, “Getting the seasonal flu vaccine remains one of the best ways to protect both children and adults from influenza." The importance of maintaining proper hygiene was also stressed as a means to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
The symptoms indicative of serious flu complications in children range from chest pain and trouble breathing to severe dehydration and noticeable blue discoloration in the lips or face. In such cases, immediate medical attention is recommended. For more comprehensive information on influenza prevention and the availability of vaccines, the public can visit the Riverside University Health System – Public Health website.
