PROVIDENCE -- Gov. Don Carcieri is urging Rhode Islanders who feel sick to stay home after he announced Wednesday at a press conference that a Bristol girl who died earlier this week tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus.
Victoria Sousa, a seventh grade student at the St. Philomena School in Portsmouth, died Monday. Though the girl tested positive for H1N1, the exact cause of her death had not been determined.
Carcieri said should people with flulike symptoms should stay home and also keep their children out of school if they feel sick.
"We need all the parents to be extraordinarily vigilant because this is a virus with a behavior that can be very deceptive," Carcieri said.
Dr. David Gifford, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said the girl's death is believed to be the state's fourth swine flu-related death since the illness was discovered last spring.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beautiful daughter Victoria. We are comforted in knowing that Victoria was so loved by all who knew her. …we extend our heartfelt thanks to the St. Philomena school family and Victoria's soccer teammates. Our hope and prayer is that no other family has to suffer like we are (Wednesday)," the family said in a written statement.
The daughter of Louis and Cathy Sousa of Hope Street, Victoria leaves two older sisters, Marguerite and Emily.
Calling hours for Victoria Sousa will be Friday at Smith Funeral Services in Warren. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday morning at St. Mary's Church in Bristol.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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