Mother of 2nd sick preschooler talks to Action News

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WPVI) -- Nearly two weeks after Enterovirus D68 claimed the life of a local four-year-old, fears of the fast moving virus are intensifying.

We are now hearing from the mother of one child from the same school who is battling a serious respiratory illness, and health officials still aren't sure if it's Enterovirus.

Tabatha Vassey says she gets up every two to three hours at night to check on her son, administer breathing equipment and medicine.

She says after a four day hospitalization he's not getting worse, but he's not getting better either, and she doesn't know when he'll be returning to school.

Vassey says, "Right now he has no symptoms of cold. We just have the wheezing and the shortness of breath that's still going on.

She is still waiting for word on whether the illnesses that put her four-year-old boy in intensive care is the same Enterovirus D68 that killed his classmate on September 25.

The Centers for Disease Control confirmed Friday that four-year-old Eli Waller succumbed to the virus. Eli was in afternoon classes at Yardville Elementary in Hamilton Township, Mercer County. Vassey's son attended morning session in the same classroom.

Vassey says, "I was scared to put my son to bed that night knowing that this could have happened to him too. So it's been actually really stressful."

Last night concerned parents and community members attended a briefing to update them on how the school is responding to Eli Waller's death.

School Superintendent Dr. James Parla explained the precautions that were being made, telling parents, "Above and beyond cleaning, wiping off desks, making sure water fountains are cleaned down."

Hamilton Health Officer Jeff Plunkett says, "The only way to really prevent it is your personal care. Washing hands, sneezing into your elbow. Don't share utensils and if you have some cold like symptoms see your pediatrician."

The family of Eli Waller, one of a set of triplets, has announced it will establish a foundation in his honor to help children with special needs. Health officials say his two sisters show no symptoms of the illness.

Michalyn O' Brien, Preschool Program Teacher, says, "My thoughts go out to them. I never got to meet this child but I hope that none of these kids gets infected. I don't think they will. I think they are doing a pretty good job at keeping them washing their hands and sanitizing."

What's scary and confusing about Eli Waller's case is that, unlike other cases, he had none of the cold-like symptoms and no underlying health factors. He just went to sleep one night and never woke up.