Gray News/WITN/Wilson, N.C. According to WITN, there have been 14 flu-related deaths in North Carolina thus far in 2023.

The girl who died in the fourth grade was the most recent victim.

Between 80 and 90 confirmed cases of COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children were reported to the ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville last week, along with about 370 positive cases of the flu.

Health officials are warning people about COVID-19 and RSV in addition to the flu in response to the death of 9-year-old Jasmyne Kite.

Jasmyne went to Wilson’s Wells Elementary School before contracting the flu and passing away.

To assist Jasmyne’s family with the costs of her funeral, a GoFundMe page was created. Jasmyne experienced viral myocarditis, which is an infection of the heart muscle caused by the flu, according to a note that was attached to the fundraising.

According to Jasmyne’s father, who talked with WITN, the family wants to spread the word about how dangerous the flu may be for young patients.

Matthew Ledoux, chief pediatrician at ECU Health, said that children are especially vulnerable to the virus.

He stated, “They haven’t been exposed to most of those things because their systems are fairly young.”

Ledoux added that because an infant’s airways are so different from an adult’s, having RSV makes it considerably harder for them to breathe, cough, and secrete.

Counselors will be on hand at Wells Elementary to assist with processing Jasmyne’s passing, but the principal also urged parents to have conversations with their kids.

Families can take preventative measures, according to Ledoux, to avoid contracting the flu or other ailments.
“We did discover that social distancing is effective, particularly when one is ill,” Ledoux stated. “We are aware that wearing a mask and properly washing your hands can both be beneficial.”

After being admitted to the hospital on Wednesday of last week, Jasmyne died on Monday.