Paramedics were unable to save Sharney Lee Mitchell, 13, after her parents found her unresponsive in bed and couldn't wake her just before midday on Sunday.
Six days earlier, Sharney was taken to Joondalup Health Campus suffering from flu-like symptoms.
She tested positive for influenza A and was kept in overnight before being discharged the next day, despite still suffering from aches and pains.
They're now demanding answers as to why Sharney was discharged from hospital so quickly while she was so sick.
The family, from Brabham in Perth’s north-east, have released a photo of Sharney as a public reminder of how serious influenza can be.
Authorities are waiting on the results of a post-mortem examination to determine Sharney's exact cause of death.
Hospital Response
The Flu: A Serious Threat
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness which impacts the nose, throat and lungs.
Anyone can catch it through droplets left on surfaces and in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, aches, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.
Extreme cases can develop into pneumonia which can lead to breathing problems and even death.
At least eight people have died from the flu across Western Australia this year alone.
Sharney's parents do not know how she died and are frustrated that the hospital discharged her while she was still presenting symptoms of influenza.
A Growing Concern
The WA Department of Health reported an increase in influenza and influenza-like illnesses over its previous five-year average.
In the week ending August 11, 10,152 cases had been reported, 1,883 of which required hospitalisation.
More than 4,200 of those cases were children.
In May 2023, Perth three-year-old Muhammed Saadiq Segaff became the youngest recorded case of death by flu in the state's history.
Prevention is Key
Health authorities say the best way to avoid contracting the virus is to get vaccinated.
Staying Safe
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is to get vaccinated. Other preventative measures include:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding close contact with sick people.
- Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Staying home when you are sick to prevent spreading the virus to others.
The tragic death of Sharney Lee Mitchell serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of influenza and underscores the importance of taking preventative measures to protect yourself and your family. It also raises questions about the discharge criteria for patients with influenza symptoms, and calls for continued efforts to understand the complexities of the virus and its potential impact on individuals, especially children. In a time of increasing flu cases, this story highlights the critical importance of vaccination and public health awareness in mitigating the risks associated with this serious respiratory illness.
