Bond County, Illinois teenager's death may have been caused by H1N1

KSDK -- An 18-year-old Bond County, Illinois woman's death may have been caused by the H1N1 virus.

Brooke Williams of Pocahontas was admitted to St. Joseph Hospital in Highland, Illinois after she suffered cardiac arrest in her home.  It was the evening of November 5. A short time later, she would be pronounced dead.

Family members told doctors that Williams had been complaining of headaches, backaches and muscle weakness.  She had also been vomiting.  That vomiting kept her from being able to take the Tamiflu she had been prescribed for her illness.

Williams suffered from cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder.  She suffered seizures the day of her death.

An autopsy performed November 6 showed Williams had the flu when she died.  Tests returned November 13 confirmed it was H1N1.

An investigation is underway to determine if it was the H1N1 virus responsible for Williams' death.  If that turns out to be the case, this would be the second H1N1 flu virus related death in Madison County.  The first was 45-year-old Derrick Keel, who died on August 21.

Funeral arrangements for Brooke Williams are being handled by Young Funeral Home in Greenville, Illinois.