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Colorado Sees First Pediatric Flu Death
17 Dec
Summary
- Colorado confirmed its first pediatric flu death of the season.
- Flu hospitalizations rose 43% in late November.
- A Denver-area preschool closed due to widespread illness.

Colorado has reported its first pediatric death linked to influenza for the 2025-2026 season. The victim was an elementary school-aged child from the Denver metropolitan area who passed away last week. This marks a somber milestone as flu cases rise.
The state is experiencing a significant increase in flu activity, with a 43% surge in flu-related hospitalizations noted in the final week of November. Pediatricians are observing an unusually high number of cases this early in the season, with one doctor noting ten times more flu cases than other illnesses.
Schools are also affected, with one preschool in Lakewood closing for a day when a majority of students fell ill. Health officials are urging vaccinations for children and emphasizing hygiene to mitigate the spread, warning of a potentially severe and prolonged flu season.




