DETROIT – A group of infections that have spread through classrooms at one Detroit school and a Detroit daycare facility resulting in one child dead, sent two to the hospital, and made several others sick.
Officials with the Detroit Health Department said the group of infections first spread through multiple classrooms at an elementary school in mid-April.
UPDATE: Detroit daycare identifies illness that spread to 17 children, causing shutdown
In one case, a student experienced flu-like symptoms, and initially, that student’s condition seemed to improve, according to officials.
About a week later, the child’s condition deteriorated. The child died on April 26, health officials said. A final medical examiner report is pending.
Another child went to the hospital on April 29 and remains hospitalized.
A third child was seen in an emergency department on Monday, May 1, but that child has since been discharged, according to the health department.
Detroit health officials said they first learned of the infections on Monday. On Tuesday, they were told that a second group of infections had spread within another educational facility.
As of Wednesday, health officials are actively monitoring almost 25 cases linked to the infections at the two educational facilities.
The students who were hospitalized were experiencing a high fever, headaches, and lethargy. Others from their classrooms reported nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
In an alert to nearby health officials who notice children with these symptoms, the Detroit Health Department recommended ordering screenings for Haemophilus influenza, in addition to RV, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza.
“The Detroit Health Department is working with Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to assess an apparent increase in illnesses amongst students at Marcus Garvey Academy located in Detroit.
After receiving reports of symptomatic students at Garvey, the Detroit Health Department responded by sending a team to the location to assist DPSCD leadership with evaluation, monitoring review of protocols for deep cleaning and disinfecting. In collaboration with the Department of Health, DPSCD has informed parents/caregivers of students that Garvey will be closed until Monday to allow for deep cleaning.
The Detroit Health Department is working closely with DPSCD, and MDHHS to monitor and trace all reported illnesses among students at that location. We do not yet have confirmation on the cause of the illness, and will share that information with Detroiters once that information has been confirmed.
Parents/caregivers of children ages 4-7 should monitor their children for symptoms and seek medical care promptly if their child experiences the following symptoms: Fever, Headache, Lethargy, Nausea/vomiting, Abdominal pain.
The Detroit Health Department offers vaccinations to children and adults to protect against many childhood diseases. Vaccinations are also available at pediatric centers and primary care providers.”
Dr. Claudia Richardson, Medical Director for the Detroit Health Department