Toddler included in Scott County cancer cluster study dies

A child whose case was included in an initial round of state research of pediatric cancer case in Scott County, Virginia has died.

Oncology nurse Megan Smith, who has been at the forefront of campaigning for local and state resources to determine a potential source for the disease, announced the death of a 2-year-old child on her social media account. Smith said the toddler’s death was unexpected and their cancer condition had just been diagnosed.

Smith has reviewed and reported 15 cases of kids with cancer in Scott County with her research and shared that data with the county Board of Supervisors and the Virginia Department of Health’s Cancer Registry. Results of a state review were published earlier this month and determined the locality did not meet the criteria for a cancer cluster designation and an environmental source for a possible cause was not discovered.

Smith told local lawmakers that the 15 cases, including 12 reported within the last three years, have been reported. “That is an astronomical number considering there’s only 3,900 children in the entire county,” Smith said in her social media post.

VDH officials said they are continuing to monitor existing and new cases along with gathering more information for a follow-up report.

@millennialmegs_ Never ever a post that should have to be made. The little one was only 2 years old and never had a chance at life. We have to keep on keeping on even when our hearts are heavy and weary. These kids and families deserve answers. #childhoodcancerawareness #pediatriccancer #erinbrockovich #cancercluster #scottcountyva ♬ original sound – Megs2.0

(IMAGE: Property of Pexels / Cotton Bro Studio)