Group of Infections Spread Through Detroit School and Daycare
One child has died, two have been hospitalized, and several others have fallen ill due to a group of infections that have spread through classrooms at a school and a daycare facility in Detroit. The Detroit Health Department stated that the infections were first reported in mid-April in multiple classrooms at an elementary school. Initially, a student who exhibited flu-like symptoms seemed to be recovering, but their condition worsened about a week later, and they passed away on April 26. A medical examiner’s report is still pending.
Another child was hospitalized on April 29 and is still receiving treatment, while a third child was discharged from the emergency department on May 1. The Detroit Health Department was notified of the infections on Monday and learned on Tuesday that a second group of infections had spread to another educational facility. Currently, there are almost 25 cases related to the infections being monitored by health officials at the two educational facilities.
Students who were hospitalized experienced high fever, headaches, and lethargy, while others in their classrooms reported nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In response, the Detroit Health Department advised nearby health officials to conduct screenings for Haemophilus influenza, RV, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza in children exhibiting these symptoms.
The Detroit Health Department is working in partnership with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to assess the increase in illnesses among students at Marcus Garvey Academy in Detroit. Following reports of symptomatic students at Garvey, the Detroit Health Department dispatched a team to assist DPSCD with evaluation, monitoring, and review of protocols for deep cleaning and disinfection. In collaboration with the Department of Health, DPSCD has informed parents and caregivers that Garvey will be closed until Monday to allow for deep cleaning
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