New Jersey Student Dies of Swine Flu

State health officials say tests have confirmed that a 17-year-old Burlington County boy has died due to complications from swine flu.

Andre Mendez attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly.

Principal Michael Moskalski said Monday that Mendez was in school on Friday and showed no apparent signs of the flu. He died on Saturday.

A statement released by the county’s Public Health Coordinator read:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this student,” said Robert Gogats. “We realize that this is worrisome time for all parents.”

Moskalski said the school is hoping to hold a vaccination clinic next week, despite the ongoing shortage of the vaccine.

School officials said they have taken all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1.

According to the state health department, New Jersey has ordered 1.3 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine and has received 400,000 so far.