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Highlands Today

Sebring student who died had swine flu

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Highlands Today staff report

Published: September 16, 2009

SEBRING - Marquis Hamilton, the Sebring High School student who died Friday morning, tested positive for the H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, a Highlands County Health Department official said.

The 14-year-old was a Sebring High freshman.

Thomas Moran, planning consultant with the health department, said the results were learned about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

"Our hearts go out to the family," Moran said. "We can't imagine the loss they must feel."

The health department is still awaiting autopsy results from the 10th District Medical Examiner's Office, which will reveal why Marquis died, Moran said.

The medical examiner's report is expected in two weeks.

"The H1N1 flu may not have been the cause of death," Moran added.

Hamilton had no reported pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses, an earlier health department press release stated last week.

The teen's parent was reportedly taking him to Florida Hospital Heartland Division early Friday morning after he complained of severe stomach cramps and flu-like symptoms, according to a press release from the Highlands County Sheriff's Office last week.

The parent pulled into the Publix Supermarket parking lot on U.S. 27 and called 911 after realizing the boy was not breathing and tried to perform CPR.

Emergency medical services workers responded at approximately 4:30 a.m. Friday and tried to resuscitate the boy while on their way to Highlands Regional Medical Center.

The boy was pronounced dead at 5:36 a.m. at the hospital, the press release added.

Since May of this year, 38 residents have been confirmed with H1N1 in Highlands County.

Moran said that the health department will continue to monitor the situation.

"We are jointly working with our community partners during this pandemic," he said. "We will continue with our education and outreach."

Meanwhile, the health department is expecting a shipment of swine flu vaccines in mid-October.

Moran said the health department will give the shots free to anyone who needs to be vaccinated.

Private doctors also will be giving the swine flu shots, he added.

Vaccines for the seasonal flu are already out for the flu season, which starts the first week of October.

An earlier health department press release had stated that Highlands County's swine flu infection appeared to be "mirroring the state and national trends where the majority of cases are concentrated in children."

The health department reminds everyone to wash their hands frequently, stay home from work or school if they feel ill, and cover their mouths with a tissue or their sleeve if they are coughing.

While most cases of swine flu are mild, there are exceptions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people with chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women to be especially vigilant to prevent against infection.

If someone experiences flu-like symptoms, they should contact their health care providers or hospital for instructions about receiving treatment.

People experiencing cough, fever of 100 degrees or higher and sore throat, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.

Those who think they have influenza should call their health care provider and discuss whether they need to be seen in their office, the emergency department or stay home.

For more information on swine flu, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or www.MyFluSafety.com.

Additionally, the Florida Flu Information Line is 1-877-352-3581 and has been established to inform the public requesting H1N1 swine flu information.

For more information

Visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or www.MyFluSafety.com.

Florida Flu Information Line is 1-877-352-3581

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