Flu appears to have claimed the life of another Michigan child; 7th similar deaths in past month

Associated Press ^

[RCW2001]

The Newaygo County boy is the seventh young person in the state to die during the past month after having flu-like symptoms.

Health officials haven't released the child's identity. But local media outlets identified him as two-year-old Jack Henry Williams.

The boy died Friday at his Fremont home.

In western Michigan, 16-year-old Billy Joe Green of Kentwood died Saturday and eleven-year-old Ashley Racine of Hastings died February 12.

Both also had flu-like symptoms before they died.

Four children ages five to 14 died in southeastern Michigan between January 25 and February 3 after similar illnesses.

[Mamzelle]

History says we're overdue for a big one. Would like to know if these kids were in otherwise good health.

[NY.SS-Bar9]

And this from another thread:

Global pandemic fear as flu kills man, infects son

[TXBubba]

Okay, now I think I am starting to get concerned. This was posted last night.

Health officials seek answers in deaths of five local children

The Virginian Pilot ^ | 02/21/03 | Steve Stone

Posted on 02/20/2003 8:55 PM PST by pgkdan

Health officials seek answers in deaths of five local children By STEVE STONE, The Virginian-Pilot © February 21, 2003 Last updated 8:58 PM Feb. 20

The Virginia Department of Health is working with local health officials to see if there is any common cause in the deaths of five children that have occurred in as many days.

[TXBubba]

Not sure how to make the link. But here is the thread for the VA story. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/848280/posts

[doc30]

So many infectious diseases start off with flu like symptoms. Could be a virulent flu, or menangitis or something else. Have to wait to find out more.

[judicial meanz]

This is something IMHO that we parents need to take seriously. The deaths of 7 kids in Michigan and 5 in Virginia from essentially the same symptoms is strange.

I have been hearing the Virgnia Department of Health announcing this on the radio and news today, because most of these deaths are within the geographical area I live in.

Wonder if the Virginia Department of Health knows of the Michigan outbreak, or vice versa? I may make a phone call to them just to see if they do.

[Damocles]

I live in Michigan with three young children (all under three years old) and my father in law just came down with a nasty flu with high fevers and the like. Somewhat frightening.

According to the accounts I've seen the kids who died were all in good health before contracting the flu. Best advice is, keep a close eye on your kids, keep them well hydrated, and if the fever doesn't break after two days seek medical attention.

[judicial meanz]

Thanks for the advice Damocles. I have two kids, 3 and 7, and a sick 42 year old wife who catches everything that comes along because of her condition ( heart disease and COPD).

I have to keep a weather eye out for this. I live in the Hampton Roads area.

[TaxRelief]

Should this thread be revisited? Hmm...

[Nov3]

What is the connection? Did they die of a respiratory flu?

[TaxRelief]

You know, they only attributed a couple of the deaths to strep that I know of...I wonder why they really died?

You know, right after CPAC, which took place in DC, our youngest son had an atypical pnuemonia. He was quite ill, but recovered. Our doctor blamed the pool water at the Hotel, Jim. ;)