Photo: Jayce Brown, deceased

by Kristen Ku

BELIZE CITY, Fri. Dec. 8, 2023

In a sorrowful turn of events, a nine-year-old boy from United Evergreen Primary School, who was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis, passed away early this morning.

The community of Belmopan is mourning the loss, amidst concerns over the potential for an outbreak of bacterial meningitis among students in the Belmopan area.

The Ministry of Education confirmed the tragic news today in a social media post that reads, “The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) laments the passing of Jayce Brown, a student of United Evergreen Primary School in the City of Belmopan. Jayce will be remembered for his bright spirit, enthusiasm for learning, and the positive impact he made on his peers and the United Evergreen education community.”

The MoECST sent out their sympathies to both members of Jacye’s family, Mrs. Minerva Brown and Mr. Daren Brown, who form part of their The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), alongside the Ministry of Education, said they continue to address the spread of this serious infection, which can have devastating consequences, as this recent loss reveals.

Despite infection control procedures following the initial diagnosis, including the temporary closure of the affected classroom, the young boy’s condition deteriorated under life support at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), eventually leading to his death.

Fortunately, a second child who shared similar symptoms, a five-year-old from St. Anne’s Anglican School, is reportedly responding positively to treatments while he remains under medical observation at the Western Regional Hospital.