We are tracking H1N1 tonight.  A child dead and the H1N1 flu is the cause.

It's the first known death linked the virus in area. The 10 year old boy was from Genesee County

The boy's family did not want to go on camera but did confirm his death. Out of respect for the family, News 8 are not revealing his name.

The 10 year old's death is raising concerns for many parents about the health of their own kids.

"Its terrible. Just terrible," says parent Brenda Fox.

As news spread that a fifth grade student at Pembroke Intermediate School died from the H1N1 virus, the question one parent had was why.

"From what i understand, he was a perfectly normal kid. Play sports . And that's why its so scary because he didn't have any underling conditions. That made him more susceptible to the flu than other children," says Fox.

The 10 year old died on October 22nd. But tests this week confirmed the boy died from H1N1 virus. Health and school officials wouldnt say how the student got the H1N1 virus.  But they say the flu season, has had little impact on attendance.

"The absence rate has been 6.17 percent with a high of 7.69 percent and a low of 3.9 percent," says Superintendent Gary Mix.

"My daughter was out for a week. And then she came back and then the following week all of the other kids at her table were out," says Fox.

It's a similar story at many schools this time of year. Still, Pembroke Superintendent Mix says his district is taking precautions. 

"From the start of the school year, we have stressed universal precautions and good hygiene including frequent handwashing as well as staying home if there are any flu like symptoms."

"I've got sanitary wipes in the car. I make my kids wash their hands the minute they come home. We are on a strict handwashing regime. We weren't before but we are now," says Fox.

For now, her kids will stay in school.

"It makes you nervous about sending your kids to school but they have to learn"

Click here for clinics throughout Genesee County.  The Genesee County Health Department can be reached at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5000.