A seven year old Bellevue child who had experienced flu-like symptoms died this morning from a bacterial infection affecting the lining of the heart.
The King County Medical Examiner determined that the primary cause of death was from this bacterial infection. Tests to determine the presence of influenza are pending. Influenza can make people with existing, underlying medical conditions more susceptible to other infections. In the past two weeks, a child in Seattle and a child in Kent have died due to complications related to influenza.
?I feel for the families who have suffered these terrible losses,? said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. ?We are deeply concerned whenever the death of a child occurs, and it reminds us of the seriousness of influenza and the vigilance needed at this time.?