Tarrant County Public Health Confirms First Pediatric Flu Death of the 2025-2026 Season

March 11, 2026 – (Tarrant County) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has confirmed the first pediatric influenza (flu) death of the season. The child had underlying medical conditions. Due to the sensitive nature, no additional details will be released. 

Texas has reported six other pediatric flu deaths so far this season.

Flu activity remains widespread across the county. Flu vaccines are recommended to those six months of age and older to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, or death. Caregivers and close contacts of infants younger than six months are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect them.

Flu vaccines are available through TCPH’s immunization clinics, local pharmacies or primary care providers. Residents are also advised to practice everyday precautions against respiratory viruses such as: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick 
• Stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick 
• Cover your mouth with a tissue to contain coughing and sneezing 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth 
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces

For more information about flu, visit the Fight the Flu webpage. To learn more about current respiratory illness trends in Tarrant County, visit our Respiratory Disease Reports or our Respiratory Illness Dashboard.