The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has reported the first two influenza-related deaths of the 2025-26 flu season.
Both were Minnehaha County residents in the over 64 years of age category.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton said influenza activity is increasing statewide with more than 2800 (2,824) lab-confirmed cases and 154 hospitalizations reported, so far. He the flu is a virus spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, body or muscle aches, and runny or stuffy nose.
Clayton encourages all South Dakotans to take preventative actions to help slow the spread of influenza:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and
- Stay home if you are sick.
In addition to preventative actions, yearly flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone age six months and older. Groups like pregnant women, children younger than five years, people over 65 years, and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for flu-related complications. Healthcare workers and household contacts of high-risk populations, such as those with young infants, should also be vaccinated.
A list of participating locations offering flu vaccines in your community can be found online, https://www.vaccines.gov/en/.
For more information and the latest resources, visit the DOH website, https://doh.sd.gov/diseases/influenza/.
According to the DOH, South Dakota has an average of 40 flu-related deaths reported each year. The 2025–2026 respiratory disease season began the week ending Oct. 4, 2025.
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