An infant in San Bernardino County has died of the flu, marking the first pediatric influenza death of the 2026-27 season in the county.

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, which serves Rialto and surrounding communities, announced Friday, Oct. 30 that the child had underlying medical conditions and was too young to receive a flu vaccine. The department did not release the child's age or city of residence to protect the family's privacy.

The death occurred months ahead of last season's timeline. During the 2025-26 flu season, the county's first pediatric flu death was not reported until February 2026, according to the department's news release.

"Losing a child to flu is a devastating reminder of how serious respiratory viruses can be, especially for our youngest and most vulnerable residents," County Health Officer Dr. Sharon Wang said in the release. "While this child was too young to be vaccinated, we can all help protect those who cannot receive the flu vaccine by staying up to date on our own vaccinations and taking steps to reduce the spread of illness."

A second death followed

The San Bernardino Sun reported that health department spokesperson Francis Delapaz confirmed on Monday, Nov. 2, a second flu-related death: a man in his 40s, also from the county's high desert area. Both deaths occurred in "early to mid" October, Delapaz said, according to the Sun.

The infant also lived in the high desert, the Sun reported.

Flu season started early

The county said flu and flu-like illnesses are rising earlier in the season than expected. Flu season typically runs from Nov. 1 to April 30, with emergency room visits peaking between December and February.

The early activity is not limited to San Bernardino County. Contemporary Pediatrics reported that the CDC confirmed the first national pediatric flu death of the season during the week ending Oct. 10, associated with influenza A(H1N1). It is unclear whether the San Bernardino County case is the same death counted nationally, according to the publication.

Who is most at risk

Respiratory viruses like the flu pose the greatest danger to infants, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, according to the county health department.

Infants younger than 6 months cannot receive a flu vaccine. Their protection depends on vaccinated caregivers and household contacts, according to Contemporary Pediatrics.

How Rialto-area residents can get vaccinated

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. The county health department is hosting free flu vaccine clinics throughout the county, and residents can also contact a local pharmacy or health care provider to schedule a shot.

Those who are uninsured, underinsured or have Medi-Cal can contact the county's Federally Qualified Health Centers to schedule an appointment.

The department advises residents to stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and seek early testing and antiviral treatment if flu symptoms develop. Severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention include trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion and bluish lips or face.

Residents with questions can call the county's Communicable Disease Section at 800-722-4794.