A FIVE-year-old boy has died from a mysterious illness, prompting an investigation by health officials.
Benjamin Bartalone, of Rogers Elementary School in Bloomington, Indiana, died on Friday last week, with experts initially believing he had meningitis.
However, tests could find no trace of the bacteria that causes the deadly infection and officials are still unaware of what led to his sudden, tragic death.
Monroe County Coroner Joani Stalcup said “it was determined that the child did not die from bacterial meningitis” on Saturday.
On Tuesday, she added: “When a final cause of death has been determined I will release that information.”
A local obituary described Benjamin as “funny, considerate, affectionate, and playful”.
He started kindergarten this year with his twin brother Parker and is also survived by his parents Kirsten and Nicholas and older brother Dylan.
The Monroe County Health Department sent an advisory to parents of Benjamin’s classmates for them to be tested for meningitis last week.
It said: “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.”
Meningitis is an infection of the protective tissues around the spinal cord and brain that is spread through sneezing, coughing and kissing.
It can cause permanent nerve damage or lead to sepsis, which is a deadly reaction to an infection.
The illness is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults, and is often caused by meningococcal bacteria.
Symptoms include a high temperature, being sick, a headache and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.
A stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness and seizures can also occur.
The NHS recommends you call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you suspect your child has meningitis or sepsis.
Meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week, with patients given antibiotics, fluids given directly into a vein and oxygen through a face mask.
Some childhood vaccinations, including MMR, offer protection against certain forms of meningitis, according to the health service.
