ABERDEEN, Wash. – A 12-year-old boy is the first person in Grays Harbor County to die from swine flu.
The Grays Harbor County Health Department says Conner Woodruff died November 6. Doctors say he had a very uncommon complication in which his heart became inflamed.
"This is a rare event that is associated with many different kinds of viral illness such as measles, chickenpox, mumps, and influenza," said Dr. John Bausher, the Grays Harbor County Health Officer.
Conner was a student at Robert Gray Elementary School. Health officials are working with the school to address concerns of students, parents and staff.
Bausher says swine flu is widespread in the county and that every school likely has children who are affected.
"It is important to remember that most people who get swine flu get well in 4-7 days without problems. Conner's death should not be seen as an indication of increased risk in the community, but as a very sad fact of viral illnesses," said Bausher.
The Aberdeen School District is hosting a meeting for parents of Robert Gray students at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Robert Gray gymnasium. Public health officials will be on hand to answer questions for parents.
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