Child Dies At School After Allergic Reaction

By Megan Churchwell, Wed, January 04, 2012

A seven-year-old school student has died in Virginia, after suffering an allergic reaction while at her elementary school.

On just the first day back to school following Winter break, the girl ate a peanut product. Soon afterwards, she began experiencing an allergic reaction. Emergency crews were called to the school around 2:30 pm on Monday, says CBS 6 Richmond. By the time she arrived, the child was already in cardiac arrest, and later she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

It is still not known exactly what type of snack she ate, or how she got access to it. The official cause of her allergic reaction will be determined by the Medical Examiner, though it is known that the child had a severe peanut allergy, and that is the likely cause of her death.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, school officials reminded parents to send a list of all of their child's known allergies to be kept in their file at the school. If you know that your child has a severe allergy, discuss options for treating an allergic reaction at school. For example, your school district may require prior approval before using an EpiPen to deliver a shot of potentially life-saving epinephrine to reverse an allergic reaction.

By Peanut-Free Baker on Wed, 01-11-12, 19:42

My prayers go out to her family. I have serious thoughts of homeschooling my daughter from this story and other ones that I have read on the other allergy sites. My daughter is only 2 but I am already in fear of dealing with allergies and the school systems. God bless you all.

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By Mama123 on Tue, 04-17-12, 23:13

I developed a peanut allergy in my late 30's! One thing I have always said is that I Thanked God that my children didn't have it! I can understand how petrifying it would be to have them out of your sight & trusting others. All schools should be peanut free! Parents should have to attend a seminar during the period before the school opens for the year, on the life threatening situations they inadvertently place allergic children into! Known products (M & M's, even plain) should be on a NO LIST! Teachers/lunch personnel/play yard monitors should be trained & carry epi pens! Children should have medi alert bracelets! By the time a teacher rushes a child to the nurse, often where the epi pens are kept, it's too late!

My heart aches for the parents of this young girl also. A terrible, terrible tragedy!

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By patssc on Thu, 01-05-12, 19:48

This is too much. Peanuts free factories should be mandatory. Traces of peanuts are in many products, even those you least suspect!!

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By lorichase927 on Wed, 01-18-12, 02:34

Yes they should be lets find out how we can get a government grant to help us! I have so many fears of this with my 7 Year old. God Bless this child we have to create a enviroment for our children that have these allergies.

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