Laboratory Reports Not Conclusive on Students Death

Watseka, IL – Public Health Officials received notification of laboratory results of eleven year old Natalie Johnson of Loda, IL today at  2:15 p.m.  Johnson is the PBL student who passed away on December 1, 2009 following a high fever and flu like symptoms.    

According to Doug Corbett, Public Health Administrator, the laboratory results received from the Director of Pathology, Dr. I.L. Uzoara at Carle Foundation Hospital Laboratory are inconclusive as to the cause of death.

“The health department’s responsibility now is to follow Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines in relation to deaths ending without laboratory results as to the formal cause of death,” said Corbett.  “The health department will continue to educate the public regarding prevention measures needed to stop the spread of communicable disease.  To stay in control of your health it is important to follows the 3-Cs and keep vaccinations up to date,” he said.

3 – C’s message:  CLEAN – wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

                                  COVER – your cough and sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, not your hand.

                                  CONTAIN – contain your germs. Stay home if you are sick.

Corbett said that he understands that these results may cause some worry amongst community members.  “With that in mind and in view of reports released earlier in the week from the coroner’s office, the health department has placed an order for vaccine specifically manufactured for Neisseria Meningiditis Bacteria,” he said.  Individuals interested in this particular vaccine should call the health department at 217-379-9281.  The vaccine is free of charge.  Corbett also encourages all parents of school aged children to have their children vaccinated at one of the clinics providing the H1N1 flu vaccine.