By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-860477.mp3
Dallas, TX –
An eleven year old girl is Dallas County's third death related to Swine flu, and the first child. KERA's BJ Austin says the first two deaths were a 52 year old woman and a 37 year old man - both with chronic health problems.
Cynthia Garcia, a Mesquite School District, sixth grader, went home sick Thursday, and died Sunday. Dr. Wendy Chung is Dallas County's chief epidemiologist.
Chung: This death occurred in an 11 year old girl who did not have any underlying medical conditions. At this time, we are aware that she also had an invasive bacterial co-infection and pneumonia at the time of death, according to health officials.
Laura Jobe, with the Mesquite School District says Price Elementary was thoroughly cleaned before students reported Monday morning and scrubbed again last night.
Jobe says students also left school yesterday with a letter to parents, advising them of the death, as well as flu symptoms and prevention tips.
Jobe: We're just trying to give parents as much information as we can. And we hope that they feel comfortable calling our campuses and asking questions if they feel worried.
Dallas County Health Department director Zack Thompson says the death will likely escalate concerns of parents. But he advises them not to panic.
He says school districts are taking the precautions outlined by the Centers for Disease Control - stressing hand washing, cough etiquette, and staying home when you're sick. He says parents should check their children for any signs of fever daily. Health officials say no schools in Dallas County have been "significantly impacted" by absences due to possible flu.
Price Elementary is reporting a normal number of absences. Grief counselors will be on campus again today.