News Corp Australia reported on July 1 that a "healthy" teenager in New Zealand died just days after being diagnosed with the flu.
William Jones, 16, is from Wellington, New Zealand. On June 14, his family found him unresponsive at his bedside, which was unimaginable to them. Previously, William was suffering from a sore throat and cough, and his mother, Rebecca Rollason, was very concerned and contacted the doctor the day before he died.
It is reported that the doctor advised him to drink more water and said that if the symptoms worsened, he could contact him again. But the next morning, Rollason discovers that William has died.
"We really don't understand how this could happen to such a very healthy boy who has barely been sick and started having a sore throat, runny nose and cough on Tuesday and died in just three days," Rollason told the New Zealand Herald. ”
William Jones (Picture: News Corp Australia)
After three weeks of waiting, William's family still does not know the exact cause of death, and they are still waiting for the results of the specialist's examination. William was a gifted musician who had just earned his driver's license after his 16th birthday, and his sudden death was a huge blow to friends and family.
On June 21, William's family, friends, teachers and classmates saw him off at his funeral. Speaking at the ceremony, Rollason said that William was looking forward to the future, that he was an amazing, talented and very intelligent and kind boy, and that his family loved him very much.
(Image source: News Corp Australia)
A family friend started a fundraiser to help his family cope with the sudden funeral expenses, and has now raised more than $15,500.
"Losing a healthy child to a sudden, transient illness is every parent's worst nightmare and a shocking tragedy," the fundraising page reads. Rollason and her family are incredibly grateful for all their support and kindness. ”
Last year, 39 people died of influenza in Australia, nine of them children under the age of 16. According to the Australian Department of Health, this figure is higher than in 2022 and many pre-pandemic years.
In July 2023, Emma Schwab, an 11-year-old girl from Noosa, Queensland, passed away at Sunshine Coast University Hospital after contracting the influenza B virus. It is understood that she sought private treatment before being admitted to the hospital.