MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The South Dakota Department of Health says three more people have died from influenza this season, raising the statewide death toll to 23.

State health data shows South Dakota has recorded 15,204 flu cases and 838 hospitalizations during the 2025-26 influenza season. The department’s influenza dashboard, which is updated weekly on Wednesdays, shows flu activity peaked during the second week of February and has trended downward since then.

Influenza activity typically rises during the winter months, and health officials continue to encourage South Dakotans to take steps to reduce the spread of illness, including staying home when sick and monitoring symptoms. The Department of Health maintains an online dashboard with updated case, hospitalization and death totals throughout the season.

The 2025-26 respiratory disease season in South Dakota began with the week ending Oct. 4, 2025, according to the department.