Wyoming Health Department: Wyoming child’s death signals seriousness of influenza

CHEYENNE (WNE) — A recently reported flu-related death of a Fremont County child is a sad reminder that influenza can be a serious disease and should not be overlooked, according to a Wyoming Department of Health official.

“Unfortunately, the death of a Fremont County child has been reported to us this week,” Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer with WDH, said in a news release. “The H3N2 ‘A’ virus has been dominant so far this season. Historically, seasons with high levels of H3N2 have been associated with more severe influenza illnesses with higher numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.”

Nationwide, 52 pediatric deaths have been reported thus far during the 2025-26 flu season; 90% of the children who have died were not up-to-date on flu vaccination.

Influenza is a contagious, respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. The most effective way to prevent severe illness from influenza is for everyone six months of age and older to get an updated flu vaccine every year.

People can also take other measures to help slow or prevent influenza’s spread. 

“Staying home from work, school, day care and errands when you are ill is important. Covering your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you sneeze and cough, and frequently washing your hands are also effective,” Harrist said.

Health care providers may recommend prescription antiviral medications to help treat influenza.

“For antiviral medications to be a good option, it is important to seek medical care quickly once you become ill,” she said.

This story was published on Feb. 6, 2026.