Whatcom County baby dies suddenly

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, February 9, 2011

BELLINGHAM — Whatcom County health officials suspect a meningococcal infection in the sudden death last weekend of an 8-month-old baby.

The county health department said the infant appeared to have a mild illness with a cough and runny nose, but it deteriorated rapidly in the 12 hours leading to the death.

The department is awaiting test cultures to confirm the cause of death. Meanwhile, people who were in close contact with the baby are advised to take antibiotics to kill the bacteria that infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord.