H1N1 victim's family warns others

SPRINGBORO, Ohio (WDTN) - Joseph Marotta's sweet smile still fills his family's home and hearts.

"He just brought such joy to us," said Serese Marotta, Joseph's mother. "It's amazing since he's been gone. You don't think how much a 5 year-old fills up your life and your house. Then when they are not there, it's just this gaping hole. Joseph was just...he was precious."

Not a day has goes by that Serese and Joseph Marotta Sr. haven't thought about their 5 year-old little boy, who lost his life last fall. Joseph died suddenly in October, just a few days after he was diagnosed with pneumonia and H1N1 at Dayton Children's.

The Marotta's said doctors were stumped, trying to figure out what went wrong. It was later determined, the H1N1 flu virus got into Joseph's tiny body and attacked his intestinal wall, until it perforated. Joseph bled out and was gone in a matter of minutes.

"They (doctors) did what they thought was right at the time," said Serese. "We can't fault them for that. Unfortunately we didn't have that crystal ball that said, "look at this", because like i said, it was outside the box for flu."

At the time, H1N1 was still somewhat mysterious. In the days after Joseph's death, it was reported pre-existing respiratory issues may have a played a part.

The Marotta's said that was not the case.

"Please, parents don't think your child is safe just because they don't have asthma or diabetes or anything else," said Serese.

According to the CDC website, there have been 277 pediatric H1N1 deaths since last April. Months later, in October, when Joseph passed away, H1N1 vaccine's were still not yet available.

In the last 4 months that's all changed and now the Marotta's are pushing for others to the take steps to protect their own kids.

"I think people now are assuming this is over, like they've dodged a bullet," she said. "If anyone asks us, I put it simply. Do you value your child's life? It's life or death."

For the Marotta's, nothing will bring their baby back. But, they say Joseph's memory will always live, through his sweet smile that brought so many so much happiness.

"Don't be afraid to say Joseph's name," said Marotta. "We want people to remember him. We want to know his memory is going to live on. That's the most important thing."

If you would like you have your child immunized, there are still opportunities. Warren County is holding two clinics on Wednesday, February 24, from 4 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, February 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. They will be held at the Warren County Combined Health District at 416 S. East St., in Lebanon.