Another CT Child Dies After Suffering From Flu

COLCHESTER, CT — The flu has led to the death of nearly 100 Connecticut residents this season and a third child has now died as a result of complications from the flu. DeMarcus White, 6, of Colchester, died Wednesday from the flu, NBC Connecticut reports.

Last week, state Department of Public Health officials said 20 more people died from the flu in the past week, including a Norwalk child. As of Feb. 17, 97 Connecticut residents had died from the flu.

A GoFundMe page has been created to assist DeMarcus' family. According to the page, "Our beloved friends Michelle Henderson and Stanley White are traveling a path no parent should have to tread and with a heavy heart we are trying to raise money to help alleviate the financial burden that accompanies this tragedy. Their son DeMarcus has gained his wings in heaven though this angel on earth left us too soon."

Already, nearly $16,000 has been raised for the family.

Last week, state health officials said, "We are reporting 20 additional flu related deaths, including another child, which continues to highlight the gravity and intensity of this flu season. This is the deadliest season since 2009 when flu became a reportable disease to the State. With 97 total deaths so far this season, I cannot stress enough that if you have not received a flu shot yet, for your own health and to protect the health of those around you, please get a flu shot. It is still not too late."

Emma Mackenzie Splan, 6, of Norwalk died as a result of the flu earlier this month. According to this week's update, flu activity is showing signs of peaking in Connecticut but remains high and widespread. Statewide emergency department visits attributed to the flu have remained at or above 14 percent, which are the highest weekly levels observed in Connecticut since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

A total of 1,951 patients have been hospitalized with confirmed cases of flu between August 27, 2017 and February 17, 2018. A total of 6,267 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported so far this season.

According to DeMarcus' obituary from the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, he "left us all too soon at the tender age of six on Feb. 21, 2018 from consequences of Influenza."

"DeMarcus captured the hearts of so many and we thank all who were blessed to be a part of his life. He fought hard to come to this earth and in his short time here made a huge impact on everyone. His beautiful smile and charming charisma will be dearly missed and NEVER forgotten."

His family will receive guests from 5 to 7 PM Monday (Feb. 26th) at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester. Services & burial will be private.

Go Fund Me is a Patch promotional partner. You can view the GoFundMe page here.