EL PASO, Texas -- A 9-year-old child from Northeast El Paso became the county’s 10th 2009 H1N1 influenza-related fatality, the city of El Paso Department of Public Health reported Wednesday.

The child was recently hospitalized with an influenza-like illness. Laboratory tests confirmed the child had the H1N1 virus.

A 9-year-old Nixon Elementary student died last week after being hospitalized with flu-like symptoms. A funeral was held for the boy Wednesday followed by a vigil at the school.

School officials cannot confirm if the student had the H1N1 virus.

Parents told KFOX they did receive a letter from the school about the child's death, but it did not indicate the cause.

"I think they should inform the school about it because everybody has been playing guessing games about what happened," said Diana Artis, of northeast El Paso.

"We are currently working with the department of public health and the recommendation is to keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms," said Berenice Zubia, spokesperson for El Paso Independent School District. "All schools will continue to be open."

Zubia said the school district is planning a special ceremony or vigil for the student. She said the district will likely release more information on the matter Thursday.

Citizens can protect themselves from catching and spreading the flu by:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

While the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is not available locally in large quantities, some private health care providers have small supplies. Citizens are encouraged to call their physicians to see if they have the vaccine available.

For more information about H1N1 flu the public may call 211.