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RI 12-Year-Old Dies, Tests Positive For H1N1

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Oct 28, 2009 11:08 pm US/Eastern

RI 12-Year-Old Dies, Tests Positive For H1N1

PROVIDENCE, RI (WBZ) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Victoria Sousa, 12
WBZ

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A Rhode Island girl who died earlier this week tested positive for H1N1, also known as the swine flu.

Victoria Sousa was a 12-year-old student at St. Philomena School in Portsmouth, RI.

According to officials, Sousa tested positive for H1N1, but it is not clear if the virus was the cause of her death.

Sousa had no underlying health conditions.

"Victoria's passing has focused people's attention to the seriousness of the H1N1 virus, better known as the swine flu," her family said in a statement on Wednesday. "This virus is a serious medical issue and we urge all parents in Rhode Island and beyond to take this virus seriously."

The family is also urging parents to get their children vaccinated as soon a possible.

Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri said people with flu-like illnesses should stay home. Children who feel sick are also urged stay out of school.

State Health Dir. David Gifford says Sousa's death is believed to be Rhode Island's fourth swine flu-related death since the illness was discovered last spring.