South Dakota health officials are monitoring a steady increase in influenza activity as the 2025–2026 flu season progresses.
The Department of Health’s weekly update release Wednesday reports moderate activity 1360 new flu cases resulting in 85 hospitalizations. Since the beginning of the flu reporting season in October, 3,934 cases have been reported resulting in 241 hospitalizations and 2 reported deaths. For the 1st week of 2026, the DOH is reporting 476 cases statewide with 21 hospitalizations.
Pennington County has seen 388 cases 30 of which required hospitalization. Oglala Lakota County has reported 331 cases with 17 hospitalizations.
Females made up 55% of the states reported cases.
Health officials continue to urge South Dakotans to take preventive measures, including vaccination, which remains the most effective tool for reducing severe illness. The Department of Health highlights several ways residents can protect themselves, including staying home when sick and practicing good hygiene.
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