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Two children attending the same kindergarten in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, died suddenly this month, a week apart from each other. Both were taken to hospitals for vomiting and cold-like symptoms, city officials announced Wednesday evening at a press conference.
The two children, a boy and a girl, were both four years old, authorities said, and were both attending the same class at the privately-run kindergarten Daishi Kindergarten in Higashimonzen, Kawasaki Ward, Fuji TV reported.
On June 4, the girl was taken to a hospital for treatment of vomiting and high fever symptoms, but her condition worsened soon after. She passed away on June 6.
Less than a week later, on June 12, the parents of the second child informed the kindergarten that he would be staying at home due to high fever and “cold-like symptoms.” But around noon on the same day, the boy developed convulsions and was immediately taken to a hospital. He died there later that day.
Kawasaki city officials believe that the two deaths may be related to a potential contagious infection and are currently conducting blood tests to determine the cause of death, but so far, no traces of any virus or bacteria have been found. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases is also looking into the children's deaths.
Meanwhile, the head of the kindergarten commented said: “My heart truly aches. I knew both children very well.”
The kindergarten has been ordered closed until June 18.
© Japan Today
14 Comments
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sensei258
Why are they so quick to jump on the "it must be a contagious infection" bandwagon? What if you have someone at the school who is poisoning the children? Better do blood tests for toxins too.
jcapan
I hope all parents were informed on the 6th that a child had died. I know if my kid came down even with a low-grade fever the following week I'd have taken her to the hospital immediately.
sensei258
And and how many infectious diseases are floating around that will kill kids in one day or maybe two? Like I said better do toxicology tests on their blood before they are cremated
Raw Beer
Perhaps you missed this:
"Kawasaki city officials believe that the two deaths may be related to a potential contagious infection and are currently conducting blood tests to determine the cause of death."
Indeed. Parents could then watch very closely for ANY signs of illness.
Disillusioned
Sorry, but I'd be more inclined to look at poisoning and focussing the investigation on the staff.
thepersoniamnow
Sensei258
You truly have no idea why people shouldn't automatically assume they'be been poisoned?
Because that would be "jumping on another bandwagon" altogether as well.
Blood tests here are quite thourough and hopefully they find out what happened.
All those poor families must really be going through a tough time now.
Speed
Poor kids. Their families must be devastated. I couldn't bear it.
Blattamexiguus
Investigate beats speculate.
sensei258
No, I didn't miss that, Thank you. But if they are already assuming it's a disease, they may only check for pathogens, meanwhile the bodies have already been cremated.
I never said people should assume these kids were poisoned, just recommended thoroughness before the evidence is destroyed.
Raw Beer
Sensei,
To me, "deaths may be related to a potential contagious infection" does not mean they are already assuming it is from a contagious disease.
And I guess since they are "currently conducting blood tests to determine the cause of death" I am assuming they possess samples to analyze and are not investigating cremated bodies.
I suspect the investigators will be thorough and I have yet to see any reason to crap on them.
Kobe White Bar Owner
Heart breaking but hopeful time and science will get to the bottom of it, infection, adverse reaction to vaccination, fowl play, we will have to wait and see. RIP little ones.
Follow up story pls JT.
WA4TKG
It doesn't take an "Infectious Disese" to cause kids to die at a daycare.
My own son was a victim of INEPT idiots at a "Day Care".
pacint
If it was poisoning, why only 2 kids?
Were they targeted specifically?
Hope to hear more on the news today.
sensei258
If it was an infectious disease that kills so quickly, why only two in an environment where so many are packed together in close quarters?