A 14-year-old girl from Baltimore City is the state’s ninth death from the swine flu.
Relatives of 14-year-old Destinee Parker tell the Baltimore Sun that the teenager died after being hospitalized last week for both the swine flu and double pneumonia.
Officials of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed the death, but do not release the teen’s identity.
Officials say the death is the second person under 18 to die from H1N1, and the teen did not have any underlying medical condition.
The girl was an eighth grader at Montebello Elementary/Middle School. The school system last week cleaned the building according to city health department regulations.
The teen’s father told WBAL-TV that he was upset that his daughter was publicly identified.
Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Andres Alonso confirmed the death in the following statement:
“On behalf of the entire Baltimore City Public Schools family, I would like to express our deep sadness upon learning today of the passing of a student at Montebello Elementary-Middle School, who was diagnosed last week with H1N1 flu. We extend our condolences to family and friends and the Montebello community, and want them to know that we will provide every support we can in the days ahead.
City Schools is working closely with the Baltimore City Health Department to inform all of our students and families about appropriate precautions for protecting against the spread of flu in our schools. As part of this effort we have established clear guidelines for thorough cleaning in our schools and are continually reinforcing with staff and students the basic hygiene measures that can help prevent the spread of flu. These steps are simple: By making sure our children are vaccinated, keeping them home when they are sick, and teaching them the importance of washing hands and covering coughs, we can all help keep our school communities healthy this year.”
Mayor Sheila Dixon issued the following statement:
“I was informed by the City Health Department that a Montebello Elementary School student has passed from complications of influenza. My sympathy and prayers go out to the parents, family and friends of this child as this tragic passing is a reminder of the challenge we face with the H1N1 (swine) flu virus. The health and safety of our students is paramount and we will continue to work with our partners at the federal and state government to stop the spread of influenza in our schools.
It is critically important to make sure your children get vaccinated, kept home when they are sick, and taught the importance of washing their hands and covering coughs and sneezes. By working together, we can help keep children healthy this school year.
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