Bristol girl's death linked to H1N1

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The 12-year-old Bristol girl who died earlier this week did have the H1N1 flu virus, Gov. Donald Carcieri confirmed in an afternoon news conference Wednesday afternoon at the State House.

Victoria Sousa, a student at St. Philomena School in Portmouth, died Monday. Though the exact cause of death has not been determined, Carcieri said tests confirmed she did have the H1N1 Virus.

Both Carcieri and Health Department Director Dr. David Gifford sent their condolences out to the Sousa family during the news conference.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the Sousa family thanked the community for their prayers and support.

"We are comforted in knowing that Victoria was so loved by all who knew her. We thank all you who have reached out to us in our hour of darkness," the statement read.

The family also urged other families to take action to protect their children from H1N1.

"Victoria’s passing has focused people’s attention to the seriousness of the H1N1 virus better known as the Swine Flu," it read. " This virus is a serious medical issue and we urge all parents in RI and beyond to take this virus seriously. We also urge all parents to have your children vaccinated as soon as possible."

Rhode Island will begin school-based vaccination clinics next week. Until then, Carcieri urged families to be extra vigilant.

"It's obviously here, it's obviously spreading and it's targeting children," Carcieri said.

One of the signs parents should be on alert for is if their children appear to be getting better from the flu, then start to slide backwards again, Carcieri said. That could be a sign of another infection.

Health officials also urged parents who want their children vaccinated at school to get their consent forms in. Students who do not have a consent form will not be vaccination and will have to wait until the vaccines are given to pediatrician offices late December or January.

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Online condolences can be shared at http://www.celebratewithsmith.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the "Victoria Sousa Fund," c/o BankNewport, 330 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806.