Labrador-Grenfell Health regrets to inform the public of the sudden and unexpected death of a child due to suspected meningococcal disease.
“On behalf of Labrador-Grenfell Health, I offer sincere condolences to the child’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” said Tony Wakeham, President and CEO of Labrador-Grenfell Health.
“We are working closely with healthcare providers, the Medical Officer of Health, and our partners to provide medication to individuals who have been identified as close contacts of the child.”
The Health Authority advises that the child presented at the Labrador Health Centre, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and was transported to the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s.
No further information is being released for reasons of patient confidentiality, and out of respect for the family.
As a precautionary measure, contact tracing has started, beginning with household contacts, to identify individuals who have had close contact with the child.
For more information on meningococcal disease, individuals can contact their healthcare provider, speak to a community health nurse, go to www.lghealth.ca, or call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine at 811.