YOUNGSTOWN - As Ohio health officials in Ohio are reporting the first flu-related death of a child for the 2025-26 season, flue cases are on the rise in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys. The state announced the victim was a teenager from Greene County in southwestern Ohio.

Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff called the death a tragedy and a serious reminder that the flu is a major health threat. He urged parents to vaccinate their children, noting it is not too late for a shot. Ohio typically sees between one and seven pediatric flu deaths each year.

In the Mahoning Valley, hospitalizations are rising as the winter season continues. During the week ending Dec. 27, 2025, Mahoning County reported 34 people hospitalized for the flu. Trumbull County had 17 hospitalizations, and Columbiana County had four. These figures represent an increase from the previous week in all three counties.

Across the border in Pennsylvania, flu activity is increasing. Statewide data through Dec. 27 shows that 35,055 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported so far this season. There have been 22 flu-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania. In Mercer County, health records show a total of 258 confirmed flu cases.

Local growth matches a national trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that seasonal flu activity is elevated and rising in most of the country. Nationally, the CDC estimates there have been at least 2.9 million illnesses and 30,000 hospitalizations since the fall.

Experts expect cases in the region to rise for several more weeks before peaking. While some areas have very high activity, local levels are currently moderate but increasing.

Doctors recommend flu shots for everyone because the season can last until May. Residents can find vaccines at many locations, including Mahoning County Public Health in Austintown, the Youngstown Community Health Center, and various retail pharmacies.

To help stop the virus, health departments suggest washing hands often, covering coughs, and staying home when sick. The Vaccines for Children program provides free shots for those without insurance at local health departments.