DETROIT (WXYZ) — A spokesperson for the Detroit Public Schools Community District said Wednesday that a kindergartner has passed away, and that they are temporarily closing a school for deep cleaning after an “unusually high rate” of flu-like symptoms.
The Garvey Academy on Van Dyke in Detroit closed Wednesday and will remain closed until Monday, officials said.
The district and city health department reported that the kindergartner died last week. A cause of death has not yet been determined.
The Detroit Health Department said it is assessing the increase in illnesses at two elementary schools in the city. When the city health department received reports of illnesses at one of the schools, a team with the department went to the school to help evaluate, monitor and review deep cleaning protocols.
The health department is working to trace all reported illnesses.
Health officials say parents and caregivers should monitor and "seek medical care promptly" if kids ages 4 to 7 experience these symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is also working with the city health department and school district.
A full statement from the district is below:
"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."
Dr. Claudia Richardson, medical director at the Detroit Health Department released the following statement:
"The Detroit Health Department is working with Detroit Public Schools Community District and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to assess an apparent increase in illnesses amongst students at two elementary schools located in Detroit.
"After receiving reports of symptomatic students at one elementary school, 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. As a precautionary measure, DPSCD has informed parents/caregivers of students, and the school closed today and will remain closed through the remainder of the school week to allow for a 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 [detroitmi.gov]."
More information on vaccinations for childhood diseases can be found on the Detroit Health Department's website or by calling 313-876-4667.
