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Fergus Falls boy dies of Meningitis-like symptoms
Originally published 05:58 p.m., December 11, 2007
Updated 11:42 a.m., December 12, 2007
What is Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Source: Center for Disease Control
A Fergus Falls kindergarten student has died, and health officials suspect Meningitis-like symptoms was the cause.
The Otter Tail County Department of Public Health said it hasn’t been determined whether meningitis caused the death of the McKinley Elementary student Tuesday. But the health agency said the child had symptoms consistent with meningitis.
The 5-year-old child died in a Fargo, North Dakota, hospital. His name wasn’t immediately released.
Classes at McKinley Elementary were slated to be held Wednesday.
Parents of classmates of the 5-year old Fergus Falls boy should be more concerned right now with how their child is dealing with the death of a classmate than how the child died, Otter Tail County Public Health Department Director Diane Thorson said.
Whether or not meningitis was the cause was still unknown as of press time this morning.
Meningitis is suspected because the child presented symptoms similar to that of meningitis.
“People are concerned, and understandably so,” Thorson said.
But until it is known what caused the boy’s death, the best thing people can do is continue doing what they normally do.
“At this time, until we know what bug we’re dealing with, we can’t just start treating people,” she said. “People with the potential for the greatest risk would be people in closest contact with the boy — those who shared his house, daycare or school.”
Thorson made a call to the Minnesota Department of Health this morning “to see if they’ve heard anything overnight. I’m anxiously awaiting an call back.” Confirmation from the MDH could take up to seven days, maybe less, she said.
Although a cause of death has not been determined, “A bad bug like that can’t live long outside the body. It cannot infect the home or physical objects. It doesn’t spread like the flu or a cold.”
Some forms of meningitis are contagious, others are not.
“It is spread by exposure to saliva, not just by being in the same room with someone. Meningitis is caused by an inflammation to the brain,” Thorson said. “A high fever, massive vomiting and a stiff neck can be some symptoms.” She did not elaborate on what symptoms the child had.
If meningitis is the cause, Thorson said, those in closest contact with the child, such as family and other students in the child’s classroom, will be informed immediately with a course of action for fending off the disease. The public will be notified as well.
Thorson was notified around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday by a local health care system. Certain diseases — those of the contagious variety that can be spread from person to person — are required to be reported to the health department, she said.
Incidents of meningitis have been reported in the state, Thorson said, but none recently in this area. The public can contact Otter Tail County Public Health Department at 998-8320.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by MommyDearest (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My deepest sympathies to the family of this young boy. How very sad.
Posted by SallyRay (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't even begin to imagine the pain the parents are going through. May the Lord bless this family wih strength, hope and comfort during this time. My deepest sympathies.
Posted by dairyprincess (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know of any release of his name? Please e-mail me if you can help! dairyprincess8@lycos.com
Posted by mystiko (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just want to say I have been in the situation of losing my child- just to a different circumstance. Regardless, it is the toughest thing ever. All the words people will say will help a little-but coming from a single mom that knows how much this hurts, just suround your self with family, friends, and lots of love. I dearly want you to know that my heart is with your family, I know how it hurts, but please just keep people around you and grieve how ever makes you feel better, not by what others say or do. My sympathy and deepest prayers are with you.
Posted by oh_its_you (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a sad thing to have happen, my sympathy to the family.
Posted by lisalitt (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If it is unknown whether this is a case of meningitis, why is school in session as usual tomorrow?
Posted by eagle_eye (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree....school should be cancelled until the test results come back. Better not to take any chances. I know MY child wouldn't be going to school until I knew for sure it was safe.
Posted by Hennepin (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you would follow the link the paper posted in the lead you would know why school is still in session.
The risk of getting the disease is very low. Although meningococcal disease is infectious and can cause outbreaks, 97 out of every 100 cases are isolated, with no link to any other cases.
The bacteria that cause the disease are very common: at any time about one in ten of us has them in our noses and throats without ever knowing they are there, and for most of us this is harmless. We pass the bacteria between each other by close contact (e.g. kissing).
Posted by alwayshere (anonymous) on December 11, 2007 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, why is school in session, I understand the above post and the chances are slight, and even so, it is still putting precious lives at somewhat of a risk, but what if this isn't meningitis? Then what- what if it is something else contagious...? Our kids are too precious, my heart also goes out to this family for their loss, my thoughts and prayers are with them.
Posted by PRman (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We are all from small communities, and even though the risk of another child getting infected is small, we should close the school out of respect if for no other reason.
Thank you for your consideration
Posted by mvallevand (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You were always the one with a big smile that no one could resist! We will miss you forever Caden! Love, Matt, Darcy, and most of all Kaiden. You were the only one to sign his bowling pin and we'll keep it FOREVER along with the memories. Our hearts go out to the parents,I could NEVER imagine the pain you to are going through!
Posted by eripsni (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you're concerned about your child, keep them home for a few days. Better yet, start the weekend for them now and send them back next Monday.
Posted by ffmnmom (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have 2 children in McKinley school. One of which was a classmate of the little boy. I know I will be keeping my kids home until I feel it is safe for them to go back. My heart goes out to the family.
Posted by ffresident (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our kids have already been exposed... I'm wondering if there is a test? (like a blood test) To catch meningitis before the symptoms appear??
Posted by kathi (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cayden you will be missed by so many. Your personality was larger than life and will not be forgotten.I'm sure you will be leading the choir in heaven this Christmas. Our prayers are with your mommy and daddy, you have been their whole world.
To those of you that are afraid for your children right now, have compassion, hug your child, and make each day with them memorable.
God bless all the children
Posted by sassica (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ffresident....I would suggest calling your health care provider......
Posted by sassica (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My deepest sympathies go out to this family. What a terrible thing to lose a child!
Posted by daidres (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this little boy. What a horrible tragedy around the holiday season, yet any time of year. Stay strong. You now have a little angel watching over you.
Posted by Tysmom (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our heart goes out to the family of this little boy. We are all so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Posted by TLRC (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our hearts go out to all the family and friends that knew this little boy - Cayden you will be missed so much. You were so full of life and always so happy. We will remember your smiling face. Our thoughts and prayers go to all the family.
Posted by kugsmom (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our Love and Deepest Sympathy to the family, friends, classmates and teachers of this little angel!
Posted by FFHSStudent08 (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 10:10 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by daidres (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So true, I agree that his name should not have been released until the parents gave permission.However, We are not here to criticize, but to give our condolences to the family, the loss of a child is unbearable, lets not forget that his family is dealing with his death at this very moment and that nothing we say can or will ever come close to what they want back the most, their little guy..So instead of getting upset at comments posted, lets consider this little guy an angel for all of us, from here on please do not use his name until permission is givin, even if you did know him personally, out of respect for his mom and dad.
Posted by conceredmother (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I 100% agree the name of this little boy should not be released. My son is in the little boys class I took him in yesterday for a shot and the doctor told me i didnt need one due to the fact i wasn't around the other child my concern is what if my child would have gotten this, how would i know? Does anyone have any information on this? just a concered mom wanting to know what to do?
Posted by JacobMHD (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Has a memorial fund been set up?
Posted by The_Riveter (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers are with this family. May they find comfort in the memories they have of their beloved son.
Posted by ffmom (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
my deepest sympathy to the family i feel for you so deeply ill keep you guys in my prayers but my concern is have they thought of all the kids sharing the same water fountains my daughter goes there and im really concerned for my daughters safety sorry for your lost
Posted by ffmnmom (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When Mr. Colbeck called me last night he said the family had already given permission to give his name out. Just an FYI.
Posted by beklyn (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You will always be remembered! I am here for the family. I'll miss everything about you! You will be in my prayers. Things will be tough but God had a plan and this was it!
Posted by ericafeser (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your happy face will always be remember Cayden. I send my prayers and sympothy deeply to Cayden's family. I miss you and love you Cayden and family. We send your family best wishes Cayden.
Posted by skatkat (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My deepest sympathies go out to the family. May God be with you at this time.
Posted by chris56121 (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOST OF LITTLE CAYDEN. ARE DEEPEST SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THERE ARE NO ANSWER TO ANY OF THIS. HE WILL BE MISS SO MUCH. THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE EASY BUT YOU PULL YOUR STRENGHT FOR WHOM EVER YOU NEED IN THIS TROUBLE TIME. ARE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. HANG IN THERE! TIMES ARE GOING TO BE REALLY TOUGH FOR SOMETIME. AGAIN I DON'T EVEN KNOW OF ANY WORDS TO SAY AT SUCH A BAD TIME.YOU ARE IN ARE PRAYERS. ERIC AND CHRIS FROM CEYLON, MN.
Posted by chris56121 (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Im so sorry to hear about your little cayden, my prayers go out to u and your family. he will be miss alot. u r like a sister to me amanda, im so sorry u and your husband have to go through this. nobody should have 2. im here for u guys if u need anything. again my prayers go out to u and your family love u guys. Greg Verschelde From Ceylon, MN
Posted by clash (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, I know that things will be hard to cope with for awhile, just keep close to other family members and friends for strength. It may not seen like it now but it will get easier in time, I know, I have been there myself. I lost a son at age 4 from medical problems. I'm not trying sound "coldhearted" but life goes on and you have to keep going. Cayden would want you to. Remember, GOD wouldn't give you anything you can't handle. My heart goes out to you, stay strong.
Posted by tink (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jacobMHD- I read somewhere that a memorial fund has been set up in his name at Bank of The West.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I cant even imagine what they are going through.
Posted by sweetminnesota (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Many thoughts and prayers to the fmaily. Being a mother of a 5 yr old - I simply can not imagine. I'm sorry that this happened at this time of the year - let alone all together. May God bless your family.
Posted by alwayshere (anonymous) on December 12, 2007 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think a more appropriate site for all of these heart felt condolences and tributes would be on the guest book at Olson Funeral Home www.olsonfuneralhome.com, I say this as there is a lot of community support here, and they have a special section for such things, and I believe the family will get a copy of it. I only thought I should add this on here, with the parents and family in mind. I hope my statement does not offend anyone. I just felt it may give some direction for people...on where to leave a posted tribute to this lovely little boy and his family.
Posted by chris56121 (anonymous) on December 13, 2007 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I say to any one whom want to post a commit or there condolences to this family please do so. if you thought it was going to offend any one you should think of the family.We have a family here going through some really hard times now and if this will help in any way please keep sending your condolences and commits. or they would of not had this on here to do so.GOD BLESS
Posted by Venti (anonymous) on December 13, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
alwayshere,
Thank you for the heads-up on the Olson Funeral Home site. I was not aware that this service was available. I think it's a great idea. It's obvious your comment had nothing but the best intentions behind it. Apparently chris got up on the wrong side of the bed today. Thanks again for your comment. Obviously people will continue to post their condolences here, but it's nice to know that Olson's site is available if we want to get a comment to the family. I know they do some great work at Olsons and will do everything they can to comfort and support this family in their time of need.
Posted by alwayshere (anonymous) on December 13, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess I should have tried to have been a little more clear on my statement, I was in no way suggesting that people should not be posting their condolences here, I just thought it would be nice for the family to see the support, and although I am not 100% positive, but the tribute section at Olson Funeral Home (from past knowledge) is set up for the family, and I believe they may receive a copy of the tributes, and even though it may seem small, it just shows what great community support they have in this hard time. I just felt posting the information (for the funeral home) here might be helpful for those who were not aware of the site and what Olson's offer, I by no means meant that anyone posting on the Journal's site was "wrong". Again, my heart goes out to the parents and their families, everyone's prayers are with them.
Posted by tomsmom (anonymous) on December 15, 2007 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
poor little thing...
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