WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported the first pediatric death from influenza in Wisconsin this season.

“This sad news proves how serious influenza can be and how important it is to take measures to protect our children,” said Lyn Ranta, MD, director of physician affairs at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “I cannot stress enough the importance of an annual flu vaccination for all children. If your child hasn’t gotten theirs yet this season, it’s not too late to help protect them.”

"Dozens of children every year die in the U.S. from the flu, and highly contagious disease like measles, mumps and whooping cough are on the rise. That is why Children’s is committed to promoting and increasing vaccination rates of kids in Wisconsin," Children's Hospital of Wisconsin said in a press release.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin will be releasing more information during a press conference on Tuesday. 

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