Sebring student with flu-like symptoms dies

Sebring High School students and staff were in shock Friday after learning that a 14-year-old school student with flu-like symptoms and a high fever died suddenly early Friday morning.

Highlands County Health Department officials said they could not confirm late Friday afternoon if H1N1 swine flu was the cause of Marquis Hamilton's death. He had no reported pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses, a health department press release added.

Thomas Moran, the health department's planning consultant, said laboratory results, expected late Friday from Tampa, will tell if swine flu is to blame.

Officials from the health department or the Highlands County School District did not confirm the teen's name because of confidentiality reasons.

Highlands Today learned from numerous sources that the victim was a freshman at Sebring High School.

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

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

Emergency medical services workers responded at approximately 4:30 a.m. Friday morning 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.

Sheriff's office detectives are conducting a death investigation. There is no indication of foul play and no known prior medical condition other than flu-like symptoms, the press release said.

An autopsy will be performed and other tests are being coordinated with the health department through Tampa General Hospital, the press release added.

Sebring High School freshman Garrett Martinez was in shock Friday afternoon over Hamilton's death.

He said he heard what he thought were rumors from friends during the first period and only realized they were true when he saw students crying while walking to his lab class.

He has known the teen since sixth grade in Sebring Middle School.

"We talked about sports and stuff and became friends," Martinez remembered.

He described Hamilton as a "funny guy."

"He always put a smile on your face," Martinez said, after tearing up a little bit. "We were all in shock; he was a good kid."

Robert Palussek, director of the Highlands County Health Department, expressed his "deepest sympathies" to family and friends.

Since the only prior symptoms were high fever and flu, the health department is monitoring the situation, the press release said.

Since May of this year, 37 residents have been confirmed with H1N1 in Highlands County.

"This appears to be mirroring the state and national trends where the majority of cases are concentrated in children," the press release added.

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.

If it is determined that H1N1 is responsible in this case, the health department will step-up educational programs to warn the public about the flu.