10 siblings remain in Alberta hospital

Investigation continues after baby dies

CALGARY • RCMP say 10 siblings remain in a Calgary hospital and the death of their four-month-old baby sister is under investigation a day after the family called 911 with flu-like symptoms. Police and paramedics were called Wednesday morning to check on a child in medical distress on the Wesley First Nation, one of three reserves that make up the Stoney Nakoda First Nation near Morley, about 60 kilometres west of Calgary.

The four-month-old was declared dead at the scene and 10 children and four young adults were taken to hospital with respiratory issues.

By Thursday afternoon, two of the adults had been released.

A two-year-old girl was in serious but stable condition. “It’s certainly something that hits you right in the heart,” said Rob Lahache, CEO of the Wesley First Nation.

He said the family is “obviously in shock and in grief ” and that many in the tight-knit community are feeling for them.

The 15 who fell ill had all been living in the modest home, he added, which would have contributed to the spread of germs. Many people on the reserve have been knocked down with the flu and children were home from school this week for spring break, he said.

“It could be a very strong possibility that it’s the flu or a virus of some sort because there’s a lot of it going around,” Lahache said. “But at this point, officially we don’t know.” An autopsy on the baby has been scheduled for Friday. Those taken to hospital were not quarantined and it doesn’t appear residents from nearby homes are at risk, RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters said.

“It will be a matter of trying to figure out what has gone on here,” Peters said. “It’s going to be slow.” Premier Rachel Notley said Thursday her “heart breaks” for the loss of the young child and the suffering of the other children.

“As we continue to monitor the situation, our thoughts are with the family, community and front-line workers,” she said on Twitter. Lahache said various agencies are involved in the investigation.

One will be handled by Health Canada. Peters said it’s not unusual for people to fall ill, but having 15 in the same house is.

“I understand why people are wondering,” he said. “So are we and we’ve got to figure it out.”