July 13, 2023
The family of an 11-year-old girl who died from the flu in a Queensland hospital has been “torn apart” by her death.
Emma Schwab, from Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, died last Thursday after contracting influenza B.
“Understandably the family is torn apart and any support would be greatly appreciated,” a fundraiser set up for her family said.
Emma Schwab, 11, died in hospital after contracting influenza B. (GoFundMe)
It is believed Emma died at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
A Sunshine Coast Health spokesman confirmed the “heartbreaking” death of the 11-year-old on Wednesday afternoon.
“We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family during this extremely difficult time,” the spokesman said.
It is believed Emma died at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. (Supplied)
It is the second death of a young person from flu to be confirmed in the past week.
A teenage school student died after also contracting influenza B on the NSW Central Coast.
A Central Coast Local Health District spokesperson confirmed the death of a local student in the region.
Last week, doctors called for parents to get their children vaccinated against flu after a spike in the number of youngsters being taken to hospital with flu-like illnesses.
In the week before, there was a 37 per cent increase in NSW emergency department presentations with influenza-like illness in the state, the health department said.
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