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Source: http://www.starnewsonline.com/artic...d-from-H1N1-virus-Pender-health-official-says
Topsail student died from H1N1 virus, Pender health official says
By Vicky Eckenrode & Veronica Gonzalez
Staff Writers
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.
A Topsail High School student has died from complications caused by the H1N1 virus, Pender County health officials said Tuesday.
State public health lab officials tested a specimen from the girl and confirmed she had the virus, said Shirley Steele, clinic nursing supervisor for Pender County's health department.
The 16-year-old student died Nov. 6 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The virus has been blamed for nearly 58 deaths statewide this year, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
?We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this student,? Pender Schools Superintendent Allison Sholar wrote in a letter sent Monday to students' parents.
A crisis team at Topsail High met with students and staff at the school after the girl died.
?Please reassure your child that these events are very rare,? Sholar's letter stated. ?If you are concerned about your child's emotional response, please feel free to contact your child's School Counselor for support.?
Sholar pointed out that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not recommending school closures for suspected or confirmed cases of flu.
Check later for more information about this story.
Vicky Eckenrode: 343-2339
On Twitter.com: @vickyeckenrode
Topsail student died from H1N1 virus, Pender health official says
By Vicky Eckenrode & Veronica Gonzalez
Staff Writers
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.
A Topsail High School student has died from complications caused by the H1N1 virus, Pender County health officials said Tuesday.
State public health lab officials tested a specimen from the girl and confirmed she had the virus, said Shirley Steele, clinic nursing supervisor for Pender County's health department.
The 16-year-old student died Nov. 6 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The virus has been blamed for nearly 58 deaths statewide this year, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
?We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this student,? Pender Schools Superintendent Allison Sholar wrote in a letter sent Monday to students' parents.
A crisis team at Topsail High met with students and staff at the school after the girl died.
?Please reassure your child that these events are very rare,? Sholar's letter stated. ?If you are concerned about your child's emotional response, please feel free to contact your child's School Counselor for support.?
Sholar pointed out that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not recommending school closures for suspected or confirmed cases of flu.
Check later for more information about this story.
Vicky Eckenrode: 343-2339
On Twitter.com: @vickyeckenrode