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<\/p>\nA FIVE-year-old boy has died from a mysterious illness, prompting an investigation by health officials.<\/p>\n
Benjamin Bartalone, of Rogers Elementary School in Bloomington, Indiana, died on Friday last week, with experts initially believing he had meningitis.<\/p>\n
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However, tests could find no trace of the bacteria that causes the deadly infection and officials are still unaware of what led to his sudden, tragic death.<\/p>\n
Monroe County Coroner Joani Stalcup said \u201cit was determined that the child did not die from bacterial meningitis\u201d on Saturday.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, she added: \u201cWhen a final cause of death has been determined I will release that information.\u201d<\/p>\n
A local obituary described Benjamin as "funny, considerate, affectionate, and playful".<\/p>\n
He started kindergarten this year with his twin brother Parker and is also survived by his parents Kirsten and Nicholas\u00a0and older brother Dylan.<\/p>\n The Monroe County Health Department sent an advisory to parents of Benjamin's classmates for them to be tested for meningitis last week.<\/p>\n It said: \u201cPeople and parents of children considered close contacts are being notified of the potential exposure.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cClose contacts are recommended to receive prophylactic antibiotics within 24 hours of a confirmed diagnosis to prevent possible infections.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf notified, please contact your doctor right away and let them know that you\/your child is considered a close contact to a suspected case of meningitis.\u201d<\/p>\n Meningitis is an infection of the protective tissues around the spinal cord and brain that is spread through sneezing, coughing and kissing.<\/p>\n It can cause permanent nerve damage or lead to sepsis, which is a deadly reaction to an infection.<\/p>\n The illness is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults, and is often caused by meningococcal bacteria.<\/p>\n Symptoms include a high temperature, being sick, a headache and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.<\/p>\n A stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness and seizures can also occur.<\/p>\n The NHS recommends you call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you suspect your child has meningitis or sepsis.<\/p>\n Meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week, with patients given antibiotics, fluids given directly into a vein and oxygen through a face mask.<\/p>\n Some childhood vaccinations, including MMR, offer protection against certain forms of meningitis, according to the health service.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/NINTCHDBPICT000729209460.jpg\")
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