NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Meningitis, a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal chord, has claimed the life of a baby boy in Virginia, according to local media reports.
Killy Schultz's parents are urging people to get vaccinated for the illness.
Alex Dempsey told reporters that her son was admitted to the pediatric ICU on June 30 after developing a rash and a high fever on his way home from daycare.
“Just out of the blue his heart rate dropped, and they started to do CPR and after 10 minutes of CPR you don’t come back from that, so we had to tell them to stop,” said Dempsey. “After 10 minutes of CPR grown adults don’t come back from that, he was brain dead.”
Killy's mother said his vaccines were up-to-date but a baby at that age needs a series of vaccines to be fully covered.
She believes someone at the daycare was unvaccinated.
The bacteria that causes meningitis can easily spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing utensils. Symptoms of meningitis most often include fever, headache, and stiff neck, as well as nausea and vomiting.
“If anything comes out of this we want people to be aware that vaccinations can prevent things like this,” said Alex to various local media outlets.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Killy's family to help with his funeral expenses.
Demspey shared a message on her Facebook page updating her followers about her efforts to spread the message about the importance of vaccines.
She wrote: "So, this will be my last post on this profile for a little while. With all the coverage and harassment we have received, there has yet to have time to properly grieve. To anyone and all who have donated and shown support in the ways you are able, we deeply appreciate all you have done for us. Your words, your support, your kindness...they have all been priceless to us. However, for now, we need time. To those that don't see me for a while, I am okay. I have wonderful people protecting me, and caring for me. To any and all media sharing our son's story, thank you. For now, friends Stay shiney, so long and thanks for all the fish. "