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Toddler Dies From Meningitis At Downtown Day Care

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Health inspectors stopped at a downtown Miami child care center after two young children got sick and died.

CBS4's Peter D'Oench spoke with a parent who has a child at the YWCA Carol Glassman Donaldson Childcare Center – where the children attended.  That center is closed pending an investigation.

Alicia Conroy said she was told by the health department on Tuesday that there were two cases of meningitis at the child care center.  She is demanding answers.

"I am devastated. I am heartbroken," said Conroy whose 17-year-old son goes to the center.

She is alarmed about the whole thing.

"I wish they had notified parents earlier, sooner. I mean it's a pretty big issue to let the school open, knowing that some of this happened," said Conroy.

"We continue to notify and respond to all parents and as information was confirmed we continued to share it," said Kerry-Ann Royes, CEO of the center. "The first thing we want to share is how devastated we are. These are our YWCA babies and everything we can do for our children, for families, for staff right now is paramount."

The CEO of the pre-school operated by the YWCA said the Florida Department of Health confirmed that a 22-month boy diagnosed with bacterial meningitis died December 3rd.

A second child passed away December 10th but the cause is unknown.

"The don't know if the cases are connected or if anyone is connected to the day care itself," said Jose Galan with Miami-Dade Internal Services.

Conroy said she learned from the health department.

"They just told me there were 2 cases of meningitis. They didn't give me any information about the kids just that they were doing a mandatory check with pediatric associates," said Conroy.

Conroy and other parents received a letter from the center informing them about the situation and symptoms of meningitis, recommending every parent seek immediate medical attention.

"Our families need to recognize that this is the flu season and we just want to remind families to not ignore any symptoms and get your kids checked," said Conroy.

A check of records shows that just two days before the first child's death, DCF inspections revealed 6 non-compliance complaints including no isolation area for care of an ill child and rodent or vermin infestation.

In April 2016, there were 2 non-compliance complaints including one that immunization records were incomplete for a child. The child care center has 30 days to resolve the non-compliance complaints and bring it in to compliance.

About 50 to 55 youngsters attend the daycare and many are children of county employees.

Conroy says although her son is ok, she is not going to bring him back.

Each parent in the school has been notified and the school is asking them to get medical attention if their child is sick. The school is also having their staff get checked, as well.

Symptoms of Meningitis include high fever, constant crying, poor feeding and body and neck stiffness.

Click here to read more about Meningitis. 

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