UPDATE: Tarrant County Public Health investigates death of a school-age child, confirms swine flu

by PegNews wire

FORT WORTH — UPDATE: Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) released today that laboratory testing has confirmed that the school-aged child who died Sunday had the H1N1 influenza virus. This is the first H1N1-related death in Tarrant County.

Tarrant County Public Health is currently investigating the death of a school-age child who died on Sunday at a local hospital. The investigation concerns the possibility that influenza may have been a contributing cause of death. Conclusive results should be available Tuesday after additional testing has been completed.

As in other parts of the country, Tarrant County Public Health reports that there is a continued presence of flu-like illnesses in our community.

Tarrant County Public Health’s Medical Director/Health Authority Dr. Sandra Parker wants to send a message to parents in the community on how to keep their child healthy this flu season:

* Talk with and teach your child about cough and sneeze etiquette and proper hand washing.

* Get your child vaccinated for seasonal flu and for H1N1 flu when the vaccine is available.

* Remind your child not to eat or drink after their friends at school or in day-care settings.

* If your child is ill, keep him or her at home. This helps everyone.

* And to parents of a child who is at higher risk of catching the flu or developing complications from the flu, be particularly mindful of your child’s health.

For additional information about the flu, check the Tarrant County Public Health website.

Source: Tarrant County Public Health