Girl Under 13 Is El Paso's First Flu Death of the Season, Health Officials Say

A girl under the age of 13 is the first flu-related death of the respiratory season in El Paso, Texas, according to the City of El Paso Department of Public Health. The girl had no underlying health conditions, officials said. El Paso health officials confirmed the same facts in the department announcement, which KFOX14 in El Paso also reported. The El Paso Times reported the death on November 2, 2026. Officials did not release the child's name.

Influenza can be serious, even for healthy children

Dr. Hector Ocaranza, the City-County Local Health Authority, issued the department statement. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of a child in our community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family," he said. "This tragedy is a reminder that influenza can be serious, even for healthy children. Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. We strongly encourage everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated."

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, and it can cause death. Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports thousands of hospitalizations due to influenza complications.

Where El Paso children can get the vaccine

The Department of Public Health urges everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine is available at all El Paso Community Clinics for children ages 6 months to 18 years who meet the eligibility criteria. Information on flu vaccination and prevention is at EPHealth.com.

Flu season runs from October through May. Activity often peaks between December and February, though the season can start as early as fall. That timing is why officials are pressing the vaccine message now, before the usual peak months.

Who faces the highest risk

The groups at higher risk of flu complications include seniors aged 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic health conditions. The El Paso case stands out because the girl who died was a healthy child with no underlying conditions, which is the point Dr. Ocaranza made in his statement.

The department encourages residents to take preventive steps along with vaccination: wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick to help reduce the spread of influenza.

Symptoms and recovery

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, a runny nose, fatigue, and muscle aches and chills. The flu shot cannot give a person the flu. The vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and respond to the virus, and mild side effects can follow, but it does not cause the illness itself.

Most people who get the flu recover in a few days to less than two weeks. Some people develop complications, such as pneumonia, that can be life-threatening. People who feel sick should stay home and avoid contact with others except to get medical care. According to the CDC, a person can return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are getting better overall and there has been no fever, without using fever-reducing medication.