Flu Outbreak 2014: MN Teen who Skipped Flu Shot Dies Mysteriously

Tuesday's death of a teenager due to unexplained flu like symptoms in Owatonna has Minnesota health authorities worried.

According to SC Times, 17-year old Shannon Zwanziger was sick for a week before suffering a fatal heart attack on Tuesday. The teen's father, Terry, said they were awaiting diagnosis of her condition as results from tests would only be available after eight to 12 weeks, adding that she had not received a flu shot in more than a year.

Zwanziger was among hundreds of students who missed school due to flu outbreak this year, which health official described as severe in southern Minnesota. Nearly 179 students had missed Owatonna High last week due to the flu but the numbers were improving, said school's principal Mark Randall.

Flu outbreak this year has become a concern for authorities owing to strain mutations which rendered vaccines ineffective.

"It's reasonable to assume the drifted strain has arrived in Minnesota. With it, we tend to see more illness and more severe cases," Doug Schultz, spokesperson for Minnesota Department of Health told Charlotte Observer while urging people to get the flu shot though it may be less effective against influenza.

Meanwhile, friends and family of the deceased teen who were shocked on hearing of her death recounted their time with her.

"Shannon joined our team last year during the holidays. She quickly grew to be one of our go-to employees, always working to learn more about our business and become better at her job. She was a joy to work with and always brightened everyone's day," said the team at Gamestop store in Owatonna where Zwanziger worked for a year, according to Post Bulletin.