Deadly flu strain sweeps the US killing five children with a little girl, 6, the latest to die
Fifteen children have lost their lives across The States this flu season as the Centre for Disease Control reveals it has seen 'epidemic' levels this season
A SIX-year-old girl has become the latest victim of a deadly strain of flu sweeping across The States.
Fifteen deaths from the virus have resulted in the USA during this season.
Millions of kids catch the disease every year but it rarely causes death.
But little Eva Marie Harris from Rocky River, Ohio, was killed on February 10 after she developed a rare infection.
The virus began as one of the most common flu strains but morphed into a rare autoimmune disease that caused her own body to attack her brain.
Tragically medics say that the young girl's death was probably preventable.
On February 7 she was admitted to Cleveland Clinic Children's with a fever of 40C and a bad case of Influenza B, the most common flu virus.
Doctors conducted several tests then diagnosed her with a viral infection but her body's immune system had already begun to attack her brain.
Eva had developed a disease called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
Various viruses can cause ADEM but it does not seem to be triggered by one single agent.
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Unfortunately for Eva, her case was exceptionally rare and it wasn't long before she had to be put on life support.
The family released a statement saying: "We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community for our beloved daughter, Eva Harris.
"We are deeply saddened to share that Eva has passed away. As her family, we wish to request privacy as we remember and celebrate her amazing life."
Last month in New York City four deaths due to paediatric influenza have been reported but none of the ages have been revealed.
The Centre for Disease Control has revealed that it has seen epidemic levels of flu activity over the past month.
There have been 15 child deaths across the United States with New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania all reporting high levels of flu like activity this season.
But back in Ohio a page has been set up to cover little Eva's medical costs, but warm-hearted donors are also pledging to bring the family meals and other things they may need in this tragic time.
Describing the disease that claimed her young life Dr Maz Wiznitzer told : "ADEM is basically the body attacking itself.
"You get an infection, it's usually a virus that provokes a response from the body that causes it to attack the brain."
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