Second 6-Year-Old Girl Struck By Meningitis: Ruby Left Unable To Walk Or Talk, Family Says
Just days after the tragic death of 6-year-old Aria from meningitis in Philadelphia, another Pennsylvania family is reeling — this time, fighting for their daughter’s life and future.
Ruby Lutz, 6, from Morrisville, was diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis in April, just before softball season began, her family said. The illness left her unable to talk, walk, or complete basic daily tasks.
Ruby spent weeks in the ICU at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation in hopes of regaining what she lost, according to a GoFundMe launched Friday, …
6-Year-Old Girl Dies From Rare Meningitis Despite Vaccination, PA Family Says
A vibrant 6-year-old Pennsylvania girl has died after a sudden and aggressive battle with meningitis — even though she was fully vaccinated — her devastated family says.
Aria, described as joyful and brave, was surrounded by her loving parents, Frank and Sabina, and her big brother, Frankie, during her final days at St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, according to a GoFundMe launched Tuesday, June 18 by Ryan Hanley on behalf of Sabina Parker.
“This unimaginable and sudden loss has shattered their world,” Hanley wrote. “One moment she was here. The next, she was gone.”
Th…
Two West Nile Virus-Related Deaths Among Six New Cases Reported In New Jersey
New Jersey health officials are reporting an additional six cases of West Nile Virus including two deaths, and two presumptive viremic blood donor (PVD) cases in the state.
The six new WNV cases are residents of Bergen, Camden, Cumberland, Hudson, Mercer, and Middlesex counties (one 50+, two 60+, one 70+, two 80+). The two individuals who died were older adults from Cumberland and Mercer counties, the DOH said.
Two human cases of WNV were reported earlier this year in Middlesex and Union counties.
Seven out of the eight cases were hospitalized with neuroinvasive disease, includi…
14 New Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Suffolk County
More mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus on Long Island.
Health officials reported that 14 more mosquito samples taken in Suffolk County tested positive for the virus, bringing the total to 37 mosquito samples and six birds that have tested positive for West Nile this summer.
The samples were collected on Thursday, Aug. 6 in Northport (four), Bay Shore (3), Brentwood, Bohemia, Cold Spring Harbor, Copiague, Farmingville, Northport, and West Islip.
There have been no cases of West Nile virus in any patients on Long Island so far this year.
“The confirmation of West Ni…
