Flu outbreak worsens in Israel: Fourth child dies as pediatric hospitalizations surge

The outbreak is expanding: A 4-year-old child died last night at Poriya Medical Center in Tiberias due to complications from influenza. This was reported this Sunday evening on Kan News. It appears the child was not vaccinated.

Poriya Medical Center stated: “This was a child with severe underlying medical conditions who was brought to the emergency department in critical condition due to complications from influenza. Upon arrival, resuscitation efforts were performed, and the child was transferred for continued treatment in the intensive care unit, suffering from multi-organ failure as a result of influenza complications.”

The hospital added: “The child was hospitalized starting Wednesday evening and was treated by multidisciplinary teams with extensive medical efforts. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the child’s condition deteriorated and he passed away on Saturday morning. The medical center is accompanying the family in this difficult time and extends its sincere condolences.”

This is the fourth death from influenza among children in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the number of children hospitalized in intensive care units across the country with symptoms of the illness has risen to 12. Experts say this year’s flu season is severe, with widespread illness, and that vaccination is the best response.

Last week, the Ministry of Health published data showing that 166 children who tested positive for influenza were hospitalized. The actual number is likely higher, as the data is based on reports from 14 general hospitals, which account for 60% of hospitalization beds in Israel.

Fivefold increase in positive Influenza tests in November compared to the same period in 2024

According to data from Maccabi Healthcare Services, influenza activity is high and unusual for this time of year compared to last year. During November, about 25% of PCR samples tested for respiratory viruses were positive for influenza A.

Among children aged 3–6, the rate jumped to about 60%, and among those aged 6–18 it stood at about 50% of all tests conducted during November.

In the same period last year, positive results for influenza A were found in less than 5% of the general population and in less than 1% among those under 18 in this test.

Dr. Shirley Shapira Ben-David, Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Maccabi Healthcare Services, warned: “If last year we saw the peak of influenza morbidity at the end of December and during January, this year we are witnessing unusually high morbidity that already began in November.”

Dr. Shapira Ben-David emphasized: “Influenza is a serious disease with the potential for significant complications and even death. The only correct tool to address it in advance is vaccination. The influenza vaccine is effective and safe, and I recommend that everyone of all ages—especially those in high-risk groups—get vaccinated against the disease. The vaccine can prevent illness as well as the complications of the disease itself.”