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Massachusetts Reports 7th Pediatric Flu Death Amid Nationwide Surge

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Massachusetts reports its seventh pediatric flu death this season.
Nationally, 66 pediatric deaths have occurred this season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says flu activity remains elevated.
Tennessee reports rising outpatient visits for influenza-like illness.
Nationwide, 23 million flu cases, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths have occurred, and vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, with most fatalities among the unvaccinated.

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Story summary

Massachusetts reports its seventh pediatric flu death this season.
Nationally, 66 pediatric deaths have occurred this season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says flu activity remains elevated.
Tennessee reports rising outpatient visits for influenza-like illness.
Nationwide, 23 million flu cases, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths have occurred, and vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, with most fatalities among the unvaccinated.