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Lincoln student dies, had flu symptoms
RI Health officials are investigating
Updated: Monday, 02 Nov 2009, 2:54 PM EST
Nancy Krause
LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) - A Lincoln Middle School student who died at Hasbro Children's Hospital over the weekend was experiencing flu-like illness, health officials confirmed Monday afternoon.
According to Health Dept. spokeswoman Annmarie Beardsworth, it is standard procedure for Hasbro to notify health officials anytime somone under 18-year-old dies.
She said health officials will test the student for the H1N1 flu virus depending on the circumstances surrounding the death. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
According to Lincoln School Superintendent Georgia Fortunato, school officials are working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
She said Dr. Robert Crausman is taking the lead in determining what happened to the student and that the Health Department would provide more information when it becomes available.
The news of the student's death comes as parents remain on edge about H1N1. Twelve-year-old Victoria Sousa from Bristol died last week and later tested positive for the virus. In addition, many school districts are dealing with outbreaks.
School-based vaccination clinics are schedule to begin across the state Monday afternoon. However, according to the Health Department's schedule, the clinic for Lincoln Middle School is not scheduled until December 14.
A grief team from Lincoln's Special Services Offices will be made available to students throughout the week to help them cope with the death of their classmate.
Fortunato also urged parents to monitor their children call the school psychologist Sara Stevens 721-3400 Ext. 1766 or social worker Loretta Jones at Ext. 1768 if they have questions or notice any unusual behavior.
RI Health officials are investigating
Updated: Monday, 02 Nov 2009, 2:54 PM EST
Nancy Krause
LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) - A Lincoln Middle School student who died at Hasbro Children's Hospital over the weekend was experiencing flu-like illness, health officials confirmed Monday afternoon.
According to Health Dept. spokeswoman Annmarie Beardsworth, it is standard procedure for Hasbro to notify health officials anytime somone under 18-year-old dies.
She said health officials will test the student for the H1N1 flu virus depending on the circumstances surrounding the death. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
According to Lincoln School Superintendent Georgia Fortunato, school officials are working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
She said Dr. Robert Crausman is taking the lead in determining what happened to the student and that the Health Department would provide more information when it becomes available.
The news of the student's death comes as parents remain on edge about H1N1. Twelve-year-old Victoria Sousa from Bristol died last week and later tested positive for the virus. In addition, many school districts are dealing with outbreaks.
School-based vaccination clinics are schedule to begin across the state Monday afternoon. However, according to the Health Department's schedule, the clinic for Lincoln Middle School is not scheduled until December 14.
A grief team from Lincoln's Special Services Offices will be made available to students throughout the week to help them cope with the death of their classmate.
Fortunato also urged parents to monitor their children call the school psychologist Sara Stevens 721-3400 Ext. 1766 or social worker Loretta Jones at Ext. 1768 if they have questions or notice any unusual behavior.
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