Parents of a 7-year old Eugene boy who died last week from a suspected case of the flu are warning other parents to pay attention and not dismiss signs of illness in their children.
The cause of Parker Ashford’s death has not yet been confirmed. His parents tell KVAL in a letter that he became ill with fever on January 13th and died 3 days later. The parents add that they and their son had had flu shots. Parker attended Irving Elementary in Eugene. Lane County Public Health has declared a flu outbreak at the school.
Pat McGillivray with Bethel School District says the illness peaked on Tuesday with 40 students out sick at Irving Elementary. He says there were 30 out on Thursday. He says it's not clear how many of them actually had the flu. He says declaration of an oubreak gives the district more resources to help the school communicate with families.
People are advised to get a flu shot and to stay home if they exhibit symptoms.
