Refugee, 8, dies after landing in Chicago
CHICAGO An 8-year-old refugee from Congo died Tuesday after landing at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, CBS Chicago reports.
David Dieme, an 8-year-old boy landed Tuesday at approximately 4:30 p.m. with a refugee family at O’Hare International Airport.
Dieme was traveling with his father and several other children, who arrived to Chicago on a flight from Dubai. After clearing paperwork, the family was being escorted to their next flight, when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer noticed Dieme unresponsive.
Emergency Medical Services was immediately notified and arrived at the terminal. Standard procedures are in place to address sick passengers, a spokesman for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Dieme was sick prior to the flight, but did not report any symptoms on the flight. He was examined at the airport by CDC officials, in an isolated room. Dieme’s temperature was taken, but he had no fever. He experienced diarrhea and vomiting. It was determined he should be taken to the hospital.
Dieme was taken to Presence Resurrection Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The CDC spokesman said it has been determined the child did not have a disease that posed a threat to public health. If more information comes forward that results in contacting passengers, action will be taken.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is deeply saddened with the situation. The family was passing through Chicago and planned to settle in Texas.
The Cook County Medical Examiner is currently gathering additional information at this time. An autopsy was performed Wednesday, with results pending.