By Drew Weisholtz -
TODAY
The 5-year-old immigrant boy who died in a Chicago shelter died of sepsis after contracting COVID-19 and strep.
Although Jean Carlos Martínez Rivero died in late December, it was not until February 16 that the Cook County medical examiner's office provided details about the case.
The report indicated that the child had two other viruses, which influenced his death.
Initially, the Chicago Department of Public Health said the child died of a medical emergency, and that his family left the shelter on December 17, returning around 2:30 p.m.
About 15 minutes later, the shelter staff alerted of a medical emergency and first aid was given to the minor.
He was taken to the hospital shortly after, where he was pronounced dead.
An altar in honor of Jean Carlos Martínez Rivero.Chicago Tribune / TNS
“It was too much for such a small body.
It's very sad,” Dr. Juanita Mora, an allergist and immunologist, told NBC Chicago.
“We must remember that a 5-year-old child has a small amount of volume when it comes to bodily fluids.
So when a strong infection like COVID-19 hits his body, and at the same time he has strep throat, it spreads to the bloodstream and starts affecting the organs.”
[A 5-year-old immigrant boy dies after falling ill in a Chicago shelter due to respiratory infections]
Fire department officials told NBC Chicago that later that week,
other sick children from the same shelter,
located in the Pilsen neighborhood, were taken to the hospital.
The response of the authorities
“The city of Chicago once again expresses our deepest condolences to the family of Jean Carlos Martínez Rivero,” said the office of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on February 17 in a statement in which it confirmed the causes of the minor's death. .
“It is a tragic loss and we appreciate the work of our collaborators who support the Martínez Rivero family during this difficult time,” he added.
The statement explained that the paramedics tried to save the minor and delved into the steps they have taken to help other immigrants in shelters.
“Ambulance services were contacted immediately when the family reported a medical emergency,” the mayor's office said.
“Shelter staff performed chest compressions on the child, but he tragically died shortly after arriving at the hospital.”
People living in these shelters in Chicago “are offered comprehensive medical exams and care,” according to the statement.
The mortal danger of sepsis
Sepsis occurs when the body fights an infection that sets off a chain reaction that can be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bacterial infections cause the majority of cases of sepsis, including streptococcus.
Dr. Mora told NBC Chicago that Jean Carlos was likely showing some symptoms before he died, and that parents should seek medical attention if their children have:
Persistent fever.
Excessive fatigue.
A lot of sleep.
Loss of appetite.
Symptoms
of sepsis
include:
Tachycardia or a weak pulse.
Fever, chills or cold.
Confusion or disorientation.
Difficulty breathing.
Pain.
Sweaty skin.
If you or someone you know has an infection that gets worse or just doesn't get better, seek medical attention and talk about sepsis, the CDC recommends.