Little Emma, 11, dies of the flu leaving her family ‘torn apart’, after a 15-year-old girl also died from the virus as cases rise.
- Emma Schwab, 11, died last Thursday after contracting Influenza B
- A GoFundMe page says his family is ‘torn’ by his tragic death
A devastated family has been ‘torn apart’ after their 11-year-old daughter died of the flu, as warnings about the dangers of B flu intensify among young children this winter.
Emma Schwab, 11, from Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, died last Thursday after contracting influenza B.
TO GoFundMe PageCreated by a friend of the girl’s parents to cover funeral costs, it has raised nearly $9,000 so far.
Emma Schwab (pictured), 11, from Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, died last Thursday after contracting Influenza B
Emma in the photo with her mother Javiera
“Emma tragically passed away Thursday from influenza B,” wrote GoFundMe organizer Mel Horton.
‘She was only 11 years old. It is understandable that the family is torn apart.
A spokesperson for Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health, where Emma was treated, offered “sincere condolences to the family during this extremely difficult time.”
“Her experience is heartbreaking for everyone involved,” they said.
“Our doctors are providing support to the family.”
Emma’s death comes after a Central Coast teenager also died after contracting influenza B.
The Year 9 student attended St Joseph’s Catholic College in East Gosford and passed away over the weekend after falling ill several weeks ago.
The parents of the children at the school received a letter informing them of the girl’s tragic death, according to the abc.
“(She) was a much-loved student, attentive to the needs of others, a true friend, and a valued member of our college community,” the letter said.
NSW Health Director Dr Kerry Chant urged parents to get their children vaccinated against influenza.
A Central Coast teenager also died after contracting the flu. The Year 9 student attended St Joseph’s Catholic College in East Gosford (pictured) and passed away over the weekend after falling ill several weeks ago.
Influenza cases have increased in the Central Coast and New South Wales over the past month, particularly among children.
Children under the age of 16 account for 54 per cent of all emergency department admissions for influenza-like illness over the past week, with NSW Health Director Dr Kerry Chant calling the increase “worrying “.
“In recent weeks, we’ve seen influenza cases increasing fastest among very young children and those ages 5-16, with these two age groups often accounting for about half of all diagnosed influenza cases. in New South Wales every week,” said Dr Chant.
‘Unfortunately, our children’s hospitals are seeing increasing numbers of these children coming in for care and some of these patients are seriously ill.
Dr. Chant urged parents to get their children vaccinated against the flu to reduce the risk of their being hospitalized.
Since May, 16 children have been admitted to intensive care with life-threatening complications from influenza at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and John Hunter Hospital.
Doctors say these can include serious complications related to the heart, brain, and muscles.
