Cause of death known for Marcus Garvey Academy kindergartener
The cause of death is known for a kindergartner at Marcus Garvey Academy, which temporarily closed last month because of illnesses — including a bacterial infection — among students.
Jimari Williams, 6, died of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome due to Haemophilus influenzae beta, said Tiffani Jackson, communications director for Wayne County. She said his manner of death is natural. He died April 26 — two days after his birthday — at a hospital, Jackson previously said.
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a group of symptoms caused when the adrenal glands fail to function normally, according to Mount Sinai Health System. It occurs as a result of bleeding into the glands, which are located on top of each kidney and produce and release different hormones the body needs to function normally.
Fatal condition is rare; most common among children
The syndrome is caused by severe bacterial infection, and the outlook "is fatal unless treatment for the bacterial infection is started right away" and drugs to treat adrenal gland insufficiency are given, according to the health system.
The condition is described as rare and more common in children than adults, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Earlier this month, the Detroit Health Department confirmed four cases of a bacterial infection at the school: Haemophilus influenzae disease. The cases were limited to a single classroom.
As a result of the increase in illnesses among an undisclosed number of children, the school closed temporarily for deep cleaning and for families to monitor their children’s symptoms.
More: Haemophilus influenzae confirmed at Marcus Garvey Academy
More: Ingham County child is Michigan's 1st influenza-related pediatric death this season
Haemophilus influenzae, a type of bacteria, can cause various infections ranging from mild, such as ear infections, to serious, such as bloodstream infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How the infection spreads
Some of the infections can be invasive, meaning the bacterial invades parts of the body that are normally free from germs. A few of the more common types of invasive disease caused by H. influenzae are pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis, according to the CDC. Symptoms depend on the part of the body that is infected.
The CDC states that people spread H. influenzae through respiratory droplets, often by coughing or sneezing. Others can get sick if they breathe in those droplets, according to the agency.
People who are not sick but have the bacteria in their noses and throats also can spread it. The disease occurs mostly in children younger than age 5 and adults age 65 and older, as well as those with certain medical conditions.
The CDC said people should stay up to date with recommended vaccines, wash hands often and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Vaccines can prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease, but the vaccine does not prevent disease caused by other types of H. influenzae, according to the agency.
Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cause of death discovered for Marcus Garvey Academy kindergartener
