Burlington County Child Dies From Flu Complications
BURLINGTON, N.J. (CBS) - A Burlington County family is heartbroken over the sudden loss of a young girl who died suddenly from complications of the Influenza B virus.
Family members say the 5-year-old girl was a healthy child who played soccer and received a flu shot in September.
According to officials at B. Bernice Young Elementary School where the little girl attended kindergarten, the child started showing symptoms during an after school program on Thursday.
"The prime time instructor took the child's temperature," said Superintendent Dr. Christopher Manno. "It was reported that the child had a low grade fever."
A family member says the girl vomited overnight and complained of sore pains Friday morning. The girl's mother who made a doctor's appointment suggested she lay down while she made food. When the child's mom returned from the kitchen, her lips were blue and her body was shaking.
The mother performed CPR until paramedics arrived who took her to a nearby hospital, according to the family member. The little girl was then stabilized airlifted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where doctors attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
Robin Rieger reports...
According to the family, blood test results indicated the child had the Influenza B virus.
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Manno issued a letter to parents this weekend informing them of her untimely death and indicated the child had received the flu shot.
"It's not a guarantee that you won't get the flu, but if you get it normally with the vaccine, it is mild," said Bob Gogatz, Burlington County Health Officer.
As a precaution, the school has been thoroughly disinfected. Officials recommend parents consult a doctor if their child is experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Meanwhile, family is waiting to hear if any underlying complications could have contributed to the child's death. Grief counselors are on hand at the school for students and faculty who need help dealing with the loss.
