Kansas school district confirms death of Louisburg MS student from bacterial meningitis
The Louisburg United School District in Louisburg, Kansas has confirmed the death of a 6th grader attending Louisburg Middle School today on their website.
They report that on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, Aaron T. Willard, 6th grade student at Louisburg Middle School died from complications of a strain of bacterial meningitis that is not contagious and poses NO PUBLIC HEALTH RISK. This information was provided and confirmed to us this morning by the Kansas Department of Health.
It is not clear what strain of bacterial meningitis was implicated in the child’s illness and death.
They also say they’re saddened to learn of this news and will be providing opportunities for students and staff to visit with counselors if necessary.
Meningitis is an infection within the subarachnoid space or throughout the meninges. Depending on the offending organism, meningitis is considered either septic (bacterial) or aseptic (viral).
In bacterial meningitis, the following symptoms are typical: high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, photophobia (sensitivity to light), skin rashes and seizures. Quick treatment is paramount to prevent serious complications and death.
Public domain image/Mikael Häggström
