Editor’s note: Monroe County Coroner Joani Stalcup released the following early Sunday:
The Monroe County Coroner Office is investigating the death of a 5 year old male who died at IU Health Bloomington Hospital Emergency Department on 9/29/2023 at 0403am. Due to the age of the decedent, his name is being withheld pending notification of his classmates and extended family. His name will be made public Tuesday, 10/2/23, once all the all of the parties have been officially notified and resources are in place for his classmates.
An autopsy was performed today (Saturday). Bacterial meningitis was ruled out however cause of death is pending further testing.
Joani Stalcup, MDI
Monroe County Coroner
Earlier story:
Staff report
Bloomington, Indiana – September 30, 2023
Parents of students at Roger Monroe County School were sent an e-mail Friday warning them that the Monroe County Community School Corporation suspects a student died from a meningitis infection.
The e-mail reads as follows:
“Urgent Information
Files
Dear Rogers-Binford Families and Staff,
We were saddened to learn of the passing of a Rogers kindergarten student in Ms. Carlisle’s class on the evening of Thursday, September 28.
Late this afternoon, Friday, September 29, the Monroe County Health Department alerted MCCSC that they suspect that the student may have passed away from meningitis.
MCCSC Health & Safety Department has worked with the Monroe County Health Department to identify close contacts. If you or your child has been identified as a close contact, the Monroe County Health Department will be contacting you by phone.
Please see the attached letter and fact sheet from the
Monroe County Health Department for more information. Additionally, the CVS 24 hrs located at 2701 E. 3rd St. Bloomington, IN 40401 will be offering antibiotics for those in need of them.
MCCSC has counselors available for any student or staff in need of additional support. We encourage you, as parents, to also feel free to use our resources.
Sincerely,
Lisa Roberts
Principal”
The Monroe County Health Department issued the following statement Friday afternoon:
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE MENINGTITIS CASE
BLOOMINGTON – The Monroe County Health Department is investigating a possible case of
meningitis in a Rogers Elementary student.
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes around a person’s spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection and can be serious. Bacteria that can cause meningitis may also cause serious bloodstream infections (septicemia). Some specific types of bacterial meningitis or septicemia require the use of antibiotics to protect very close contacts from infection.
People and parents of children considered close contacts are being notified of the potential exposure.
Close contacts are recommended to receive prophylactic antibiotics within 24 hours of a confirmed diagnosis to prevent possible infections.
If notified, please contact your doctor right away and let them know that you/your child is considered a close contact to a suspected case of meningitis, and that is recommended that prophylactic medication be given right away. Riley Physicians for Children has been informed and can help with prescriptions, if able, even after hours.
For all other persons, including those who had casual contact as would occur in most school-related activities, the risk of infection is very low. Preventive antibiotics are not recommended for casual contacts of infected persons.
Symptoms of meningitis may include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck or neck pain, nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Symptoms of septicemia may include fever and chills; fatigue; vomiting; cold hands and feet; severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen (belly); rapid breathing; diarrhea; and sometimes a rash. Seek medical care immediately if your child or any member of your family experiences these symptoms.
Parents who wish to protect their child from meningitis should make sure their child is up to date on all vaccinations, including the vaccines preventing Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, and meningococcal disease. The Hib and pneumococcal vaccines are normally given with other infant vaccines before age two. Two doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine are recommended for all adolescents, with the first dose at age 11 to 12 years and the second dose at age 16 years. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions about these vaccines.
For more information, please contact the Monroe County Public Health Clinic at 812-353-3244.”
