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Source: http://www.windsorstar.com/news/year+dies+suspected+meningitis/2550040/story.html
8-year-old dies of suspected meningitis
Hospital probes ER death
By Sonja Puzic, The Windsor StarFebruary 11, 2010 7:08 AM
Windsor Regional Hospital is investigating the sudden death of an eight-year-old girl in its emergency department Sunday, suspecting meningitis was the cause.
The child died after being rushed to the Met campus ER by ambulance, said Dr. Gary Ing, WRH's chief of staff. The hospital launches an internal investigation whenever someone dies in the hospital unexpectedly, reviewing the circumstances of the death to see whether something could have been done to prevent it or if something can be improved in the future, Ing said.
Citing privacy laws, Ing could not reveal the girl's name or details of her hospital visit. But by Wednesday, two Facebook groups were created in the memory of Destiny Sammut, a Grade 3 student at Victoria public school with long, dark curly hair and a big smile. Her obituary says she's survived by her parents, three brothers, grandparents and many other relatives.
The exact cause of death has not yet been determined, but Ing said the hospital suspects meningitis, a serious inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
The regional coroner's office in London is also investigating the girl's death.
A coroner's investigation is standard procedure in the sudden death of any child, Ing said.
Because meningitis can spread through close contact, Ing said WRH is contacting an estimated 80 people who were in the ER over a span of 16 hours Sunday, telling them to watch for symptoms of the infection, such as a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness and irritability.
So far, no related illnesses have been reported. The hospital has been telling affected people to be on alert for 10 days after the possible exposure.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has been involved with the case, but Medical Officer of Health Dr. Allen Heimann said there are no concerns about the spread of meningitis at the girl's school. He said antibiotics were given to the child's family members and ER staff who treated her as a precaution because they were in direct, close contact with her.
Ing said the girl was treated at the Met ER Friday and released Saturday morning before being rushed back to the hospital Sunday morning. He couldn't say what kind of treatment she received.
"I'll be happy to comment further once we have a diagnosis," he said.
"It's a very tragic event when something like this happens. It affects everybody. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family."
The Greater Essex County District School Board said grief councillors visited Victoria public school to talk to students and staff.
Visitations for Destiny Sammut will be held today between 3 and 5 p.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. at Families First funeral home on Dougall Avenue.
The funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m.
ONLINE
windsorstar.com
8-year-old dies of suspected meningitis
Hospital probes ER death
By Sonja Puzic, The Windsor StarFebruary 11, 2010 7:08 AM
Windsor Regional Hospital is investigating the sudden death of an eight-year-old girl in its emergency department Sunday, suspecting meningitis was the cause.
The child died after being rushed to the Met campus ER by ambulance, said Dr. Gary Ing, WRH's chief of staff. The hospital launches an internal investigation whenever someone dies in the hospital unexpectedly, reviewing the circumstances of the death to see whether something could have been done to prevent it or if something can be improved in the future, Ing said.
Citing privacy laws, Ing could not reveal the girl's name or details of her hospital visit. But by Wednesday, two Facebook groups were created in the memory of Destiny Sammut, a Grade 3 student at Victoria public school with long, dark curly hair and a big smile. Her obituary says she's survived by her parents, three brothers, grandparents and many other relatives.
The exact cause of death has not yet been determined, but Ing said the hospital suspects meningitis, a serious inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
The regional coroner's office in London is also investigating the girl's death.
A coroner's investigation is standard procedure in the sudden death of any child, Ing said.
Because meningitis can spread through close contact, Ing said WRH is contacting an estimated 80 people who were in the ER over a span of 16 hours Sunday, telling them to watch for symptoms of the infection, such as a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness and irritability.
So far, no related illnesses have been reported. The hospital has been telling affected people to be on alert for 10 days after the possible exposure.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has been involved with the case, but Medical Officer of Health Dr. Allen Heimann said there are no concerns about the spread of meningitis at the girl's school. He said antibiotics were given to the child's family members and ER staff who treated her as a precaution because they were in direct, close contact with her.
Ing said the girl was treated at the Met ER Friday and released Saturday morning before being rushed back to the hospital Sunday morning. He couldn't say what kind of treatment she received.
"I'll be happy to comment further once we have a diagnosis," he said.
"It's a very tragic event when something like this happens. It affects everybody. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family."
The Greater Essex County District School Board said grief councillors visited Victoria public school to talk to students and staff.
Visitations for Destiny Sammut will be held today between 3 and 5 p.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. at Families First funeral home on Dougall Avenue.
The funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m.
ONLINE
windsorstar.com