Nassau health dept. probes student death

The Nassau County Health Department is investigating the death of a Town of Hempstead student who may have died of a strain of flu.

The East Rockaway School District confirmed Monday the unidentified student, who died Friday, attended school in the district.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this unexpected tragedy," Superintendent Roseanne Melucci said in a news release. "The Department of Health has advised me that this situation does not pose any increased threat to the health and safety of our students and staff compared to the entire region and community, as influenza is present throughout."

A health department spokeswoman confirmed officials are investigating a possible "influenza-associated pediatric death" from the influenza "B" strain, but did not provide any other information about the victim, such as the student's gender or age.

The East Rockaway district has put a team of social workers and psychologists together to help staff and students grieve, Melucci's statement said.

The flu remains widespread on Long Island, health department spokeswoman Mary Ellen Laurain said. She said it is not too late to get a flu vaccination.

Symptoms of the "B" strain are similar to other varieties of the flu: fever, chills, coughs and headaches.

In addition, Laurain said, take other precautions including washing hands with soap and water, using an alcohol-based hand gel, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.