Carpentersville Girl, 5, Dies From Flu-Related Illness

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL – A 5-year-old Carpentersville has died from complications associated with the flu. Mia Lobo died on Saturday, April 21, and a funeral service were scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Hubert Catholic Church, 729 Grand Canyon Street in Hoffman Estates. Lobo, who suffered fever-related seizures, never received a flu shot because her parents feared the immunization could further compromise her immune system, Dominic and Apple Lobo told ABC 7.

The Kane County Health Department confirmed the pediatric flu-related death on Wednesday, stating the girl died from the H1N1 strain. Health officials have said this past flu season has been one of the worst, according to ABC 7. So far this season, eight children have died from flu-related symptoms in the state and 156 have died across the U.S., according to CBS.

It's unclear where Mia contracted the flu. Her preschool in Sleepy Hollow has not reported any other illnesses, according to media reports.

Earlier this month, Mia's parents brought her to the hospital after she suffered a febrile seizure, according to a GoFundMe page set up for Mia's family. She was discharged and at a follow-up appointment, her parents were told to let Mia's virus run its course. The following day, Mia collapsed and was rushed to the emergency room again. While getting ready for an ambulance to take her to Lutheran General's Children's Hospital she had another "violent seizure" and was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Lutheran General Hospital due "to complications from contracting H1N1 influenza, which reached her brain."

She didn't respond to medications and experimental treatments and ultimately lost brain activity, according to the GoFundMe page. On April 19, she was about to be takne off her ventilator when her father, Dominic whispered to her," give me a sign that you can hear me." At that time, she had a toe reflex "that had not been seen before on previous exams." But on Friday, her family learned there was no blood flow to her brain and on Saturday, the decision was made to take her off life support."

Those close to Mia described her as a "little ball of fire (that) truly touched and left an impression among everyone she met. But that flame was put out suddenly and too soon."

Mia had a brother and sister, Darlene and Miles.

As of Thursday morning, over $16,000 had been raised for Mia's family.

More via the GoFundMe page and ABC 7

PHOTO VIA GOFUNDME