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Nico Mallozzi began to feel ill last Thursday, Jan. 11, and traveled to Buffalo, to be with his hockey team over the weekend, New Canaan Director of Health Dr. David Reed told New Canaan News Online on Tuesday.
Nico, who did not feel well and did not play in the hockey tournament, was taken to the emergency room at Buffalo Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Influenza B, New Canaan News Online said.
Related story: New Canaan School Chief Offers Reassurances After Death Of 10-Year-Old
The family decided to return home Sunday but Nico's condition worsened and he was taken to a New York hospital where he died, New Canaan News Online said.
The boy's cause of death was determined by the New York medical examiner’s office.
New Canaan Superintendent of Schools Bryan Luizzi said the school district has taken the precaution of having the custodians perform extra “cleanings” at all school buildings. "These efforts will continue throughout the Influenza season," he said.
At West Elementary, where Nico was a fourth-grader, school psychologists, the social worker, administrators and the school nurse are available for students.
"Counselors at all schools are ready to assist students and parents tomorrow and beyond, as we continue to struggle through this awful tragedy together," Luizzi said.
Luizzi also warned parents that Influenza poses a serious health risk, and "regardless of its possible connection with this tragedy, it is important for everyone to take appropriate precautions, including receiving the influenza vaccination."
Additionally, anyone who experiences flu symptoms should seek medical advice. Parents are asked to keep children home who do not feel well, he said.
The Influenza B is spreading in the Northeast, and over 1,000 cases of the flu with at least 15 flu-related deaths in Connecticut so far this flu season.
Symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Nico played hockey for the Norwalk-based Connecticut Roughriders, which posted a statement on its website:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mallozzi family right now. It is a very sad day for all of us, Nico was a great kid with a great smile and he will be missed greatly. We will never forget you, Nico.”
Click here for the story at New Canaan News Online.
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