A Detroit school will remain closed until Monday after dozens of students began experiencing flu-like symptoms. Last week, a kindergartner who was sent home with flu-like symptoms later died, the Detroit Community Schools District told ABC News.
An elementary school student at Marcus Garvey Academy died on April 25, Chrystal Wilson, assistant superintendent of communications for the Detroit Community Schools District, told ABC News. The boy who died was 6 years old, according to the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
The following Monday, a number of students at the school began showing flu-like symptoms, including fever and vomiting, and the school advised that those students be sent home.
Marcus Garvey Academy is shown in Detroit, Michigan.
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School and district officials then alerted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Detroit Department of Health that the students were experiencing symptoms of an illness. Health officials advised they weren’t sure what the symptoms could be attributed to, Wilson said.
As of Tuesday, there were fewer than 25 students showing symptoms, so health officials advised the school to be closed and a thorough cleaning done, Wilson said.
While the students were advised to see their doctors for a diagnosis, health officials believe the illnesses may be related to influenza H or H. influenzae, a bacteria that can cause a variety of infections in infants and young children, Wilson said.
Infections can be mild, such as ear infections, to serious, such as bloodstream infections, depending on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection, but can include fever, chills, vomiting and headaches.
Marcus Garvey Academy is shown in Detroit, Michigan.
Google Maps Street View
The medical examiner’s office has not yet determined the student’s cause of death, according to Wilson. The child’s cause of death is still pending, the medical examiner’s office confirmed to ABC News.
The school has conducted deep cleaning in classrooms, as recommended by health officials, according to Wilson.
Marcus Garvey Academy will reopen Monday, but students with symptoms are being asked to stay home, Wilson said.
