Area Toddler Michigan's First Enterovirus Death

A toddler from Clinton Township is the first Michigan resident to die of enterovirus D68.

Madeline Reid, 21 months, died Friday, according to a Facebook page set up to inform friends and families of the toddler’s condition.

The Detroit News said a DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan confirmed the death of the toddler to the respiratory and stomach virus.

“On behalf of the DMC we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Madeline Reid. Since mid-August the CDC has reported higher numbers of children experiencing respiratory illnesses caused by Enterovirus D68 with confirmed cases in 45 states including Michigan, Dr. Suzanne White of DMC said in a statement, Saturday. “The DMC will continue to work with both the Michigan Department of Community Health and the CDC to monitor patients and provide the most appropriate care and support.”

Children’s Hospital of Michigan chief medical officer Dr. Rudolph Valentini, M.D, also issued a statement:

“It is never easy to lose a child, and our entire healthcare team at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan is deeply saddened by this family’s loss and mourns with them during this very difficult time. Madeline was transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan for advanced services, with presumed community-acquired enterovirus infection. The CDC confirmed EV-D68 after her arrival here, and she subsequently succumbed to her illness.

“The family asks that we all respect their privacy during their time of grief.”

Madeline had been on life support since Sept. 14, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help pay medical bills. So far, about $5,810 has been raised.

In Michigan, there have been 25 confirmed cases of the virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and respiratory problems. There is no vaccine or specific treatment.

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Photo via Facebook