South Dakota Health Officials Release Mid-Season Influenza Update

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Department of Health has released its latest influenza summary for the 2025-2026 season. As of February 4, 2026, state health data shows that while the flu remains active across the region, current figures for severe outcomes are trending below historical averages.

For the 2025-2026 season to date, South Dakota has recorded:

·        Confirmed Cases: 9,324 (via Culture, PCR, or DFA testing).

·        Hospitalizations: 551.

·        Deaths: 10.

How This Season Compares

The current data indicate a lighter season than the 2024-2025 period, which saw 21,860 confirmed cases and 65 deaths, peaking in the first week of February.

Historically, South Dakota flu seasons peak between December and March, with the eight-year average (2017-2025) typically peaking during the first week of February.

The state’s average annual impact over the past several years has included approximately 12,504 confirmed cases, 690 hospitalizations, and 40 deaths.

Season	Dominant Virus	Deaths	Hospitalizations	Confirmed Cases	Peak Week
2025-2026	TBD	10	551	9,324	TBD
2024-2025	A (H1N1)	65	1,547	21,860	Feb 1st Week
2023-2024	A (H1N1) & B Victoria	46	856	20,184	March 2nd Week
8-Year Avg	—	40	690	12,504	Feb 1st Week

Reporting and Resources

South Dakota health officials remind healthcare providers that certain influenza-related data must be reported to the state. This includes:

·        Confirmed Cases: All cases identified via PCR, Culture, or DFA must be reported through the official state disease report portal.

·        Severe Outcomes: Influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths must be reported if a patient had a positive flu test of any kind within the previous 14 days.

·        Outbreaks: Any suspected respiratory outbreaks should be reported immediately at sd.gov/outbreakreport.

Prevention and Treatment

Following CDC guidance, health officials continue to emphasize the importance of annual vaccinations for everyone aged 6 months and older. For those who contract the virus, antiviral medications remain an effective tool for clinicians to reduce illness severity and prevent complications.

Residents can monitor real-time local updates through the South Dakota Influenza Dashboard.