#17,436
We've a bit of a medical mystery this morning, and while these types of reports often end up being something fairly routine, the lack of a definitive diagnosis after a week is unusual.
State and local Health Departments are investigating an outbreak of an - as yet, unidentified - illness among elementary school students at a Detroit, Michigan elementary school.
One child reportedly died last week from this school following a `flu-like' illness, although the cause of death has not been ascertained.
According to local ABC Affiliate WXYZ, the local school board has issued the following statement on the decision to close one school until Monday for a` deep cleaning':
"Tragically, last week one of our kindergarten students at Marcus Garvey passed away. At this time, the medical examiner has not determined the cause of death. This week, the school has experienced an unusually high rate of flu-like symptoms including student fevers, and vomiting, namely at the early grade levels. We have been actively communicating with the Detroit Health Department about these cases and we have mutually agreed that the best course of action right now is to close the school until Monday to allow families to monitor their children's symptoms and to deep clean the school."
The local Health Department has issued the following statement:
Detroit Health Department Statement Regarding Apparent Increase in Illness Amongst Elementary Students
MAY 032023 DETROIT HEALTH DEPARTMENT
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.
For additional information, please call 313-876-4667 or visit our website: www.detroitmi.gov/health.
