(CNN) Days after a Guatemalan boy died in US custody on Christmas Eve, infectious disease experts say it appears Felipe Alonzo-Gomez likely had the flu, a potentially deadly illness that can often be treated if caught early enough. US Customs and Border Protection issued a statement Tuesday saying the boy had "possible influenza symptoms" on Monday and was taken to a local hospital. detailed account of the child's care released by the federal agency does not mention a flu test being administered to Felipe. CBP did not respond to a question from CNN about whether the boy received a flu test. "This child's death could have been prevented," said Dr. Flor Muñoz, an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Source: CNN December 27, 2018 07:18 UTC