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For Immediate Release
December 18, 2025
Contact: Department of Health Services 608-266-1683
DHS Confirms First Pediatric
Respiratory Illness-Associated Deaths
Encourages everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses to protect against serious illness and spread of disease
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first pediatric respiratory illness-associated deaths in two children from Wisconsin for the 2025-2026 season. One death is a result of COVID-19 and the other is from influenza.
"It's with heavy hearts that DHS reports the first pediatric deaths of the respiratory virus season in Wisconsin," said DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt. "This is a reminder about how serious these viruses can be, but it's not too late to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated. Respiratory vaccines are safe, effective, and the best tool we have to prevent doctor visits, hospitalization, and death for Wisconsinites."
DHS tracks and monitors respiratory viruses, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), year-round to inform health care providers, public health partners, and the public about current virus activity and when risk of illness may increase. Respiratory illness activity is currently increasing in Wisconsin based on emergency department, laboratory testing, and wastewater data.
View the entire news release here.
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