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6-year-old Rocky River girl passes away from 'extremely rare' viral infection complication

Posted at 10:48 AM, Feb 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-10 10:48:49-05

A 6-year-old girl from Rocky River has passed away after experiencing 'extremely rare' complications from a viral infection.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Eva Harris, a kindergartner at Goldwood Primary Elementary School, was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 7 with a fever of 105 degrees. 

After conducting several tests, doctors learned Eva had a viral infection and her body's immune response was causing damage to her brain. 

As a result, Eva developed a severe form of a neurological disease called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), or acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood (ANEC).

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Eva's case is extremely rare.

"We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community for our beloved daughter, Eva Harris," Jimsey Cary and Alex Harris said in a statement Friday. "While this is a very difficult time for our family, we are extremely grateful for Eva’s medical team, especially her nurses. We are thankful for all that was done for our daughter during her relatively brief time in the hospital.