Amador County – Authorities said a 5-year-old boy who died in Martell last week did not die of communicable disease, though precautions were taken, including temporary closure of a childcare facility.

Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner on Wednesday released details of the death investigation, which is ongoing. Wegner said at 11:02 a.m. Monday (Oct. 10), “Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a residence on Mariposa Avenue… The caller, the foster parent of a 5-year-old male, reported that the child was not breathing.

“Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies, a Jackson Police Officer, American Legion Ambulance, Jackson Fire Department and Cal Fire personnel responded. Upon arrival the child was found to be deceased.

“Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation into the child’s death. Interviews indicated the child had complained of feeling ill, had been vomiting the day prior and seemed lethargic.

“Due to the information obtained during the interviews, observations of the decedent, and the fact that three other children were present at the home, consideration was given to the possibility of the presence of a communicable disease.”

Wegner said: “Due to the legal requirement of the Coroner to notify the Public Health Officer whenever a decedent has a communicable disease, Amador County Sheriff’s Detectives contacted and consulted with Amador County Public Health Officer Dr. Bob Hartmann.

“On Oct. 11, a forensic examination of the child was conducted at the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.” The “examination revealed no injuries or evidence of trauma which would indicate the child’s death was a result of a criminal act. The cause and manner of the child’s death is pending toxicology results.”

Dr. Hartmann released a statement saying that “as a precaution, a childcare facility was temporarily closed pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation. The childcare site has been allowed to reopen.” He said: “Our investigation reveals that there is no need for preventive antibiotics for contacts.”

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