The 216 pediatric deaths reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eclipse the 207 reported last year. It’s the most since the 2009-2010 H1N1 global flu pandemic. It’s a startlingly high number, given that the flu season is still going on. The final pediatric death tally for the 2023-2024 flu season wasn’t counted until autumn.

The U.S. broke a 15-year record for pediatric flu deaths this season, according to federal data released Friday. There were 216 children who died this season, according to a preliminary

More children have died this flu season in the U.S. than in any previous flu season over the last 15 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed. The CDC reported there have been 216 pediatric deaths, eclipsing the 207 reported last year. It’s the most since the 2009-2010 H1N1 global flu pandemic.