Schools Closed After Deaths

Details

Health News

Thursday, 08 April 2010 06:55

By Ian'Magic'Hughes and KAM Wright

Island Academy International (IAI) and Little Learners will not open today, following the deaths of two children. On Tuesday, six-year-old IAI student Alphie Perkins, from English Harbour passed away, one day before a nine year old from Liberta Primary died suddenly.

They were admitted separately to the Mount St John’s Medical Centre with similar symptoms. Reports are that the boys had severe episodes of diarrhea and vomiting, but it is unknown whether these were triggered by toxins, chemicals, or microorganisms. One boy reportedly took ill on Sunday and died Monday, while the other died early Wednesday morning after being at the hospital since the day before.

In a letter to parents and guardians on Wednesday, Principal of IAI Jim Pastore said, “Island Academy has decided to take the precautionary measure of closing school tomorrow, Thursday April 8th. This decision has been reached in accordance with the Ministry of Health. At least one other school has taken the same steps, “Little Learners"."

While the cause of death of both boys remains unknown, the school is taking what it deemed necessary precautions.

“At this point we cannot with certainty give you any further information about the circumstances leading to the tragedy that took Alphie Perkins from us," Pastore said. "However, please rest assured that as soon as we know more you will be informed. I do need to also inform you that there has been an additional tragedy in the English Harbor area - a young boy 9 years old is confirmed as having passed away today. The cause of death in this second case is also at this time unconfirmed, and doctors from the Ministry of Health are investigating possible causes."

The principal encouraged parents to be alert for any symptoms of illness, as doctors are not certain whether the deaths are related.

“If your child has any flu like symptoms including any level of fever and/or vomiting, headaches, a rash, please call your family pediatrician," the principal said. “We give you this advice as a precautionary measure and as recommended by various doctors connected to our school community. It is important that you report any incidence of confirmed sickness to the school, as we can collect data that can be important for the Ministry of Health.”

Pastore told parents “the health and welfare of your children is our number one priority.”

Caribarena.com has learned that the Ministry of Health will be seeking the assistance of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC).

Medical officials are appealing to the public not to panic, but instead see how best they can assist with the investigations.

Health officials will be meeting with residents in English Harbour on Thursday at 11 am at the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel and at the Liberta Primary School at 4:30 pm.

An urgent meeting was held with Minister of Health Wilmoth Daniel and senior medical officers on Wednesday. Present were Chief Medical Officer Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael, Medical Officer of Health Oritta Zachariah, Act Permanent Secretary Edson Joseph, Nursing Epidemiologist Cybil Smith, and Act Principal Nursing Officer Eleanor Warner.

Officials also met with authorities at the IAI. However, usually reliable sourced told Caribarena.com that the student had checked out from the school since March 19 and was expected to leave for England. Both students were on holiday break from school when they died.

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