Stockton, Ca. fourth grade student dies from possible bacterial meningitis
The Kennedy Elementary School and the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) communities are mourning the death of a fourth grade student who died Sunday from what what health officials believe may be a possible case of bacterial meningitis, according to a letter to parents from School Superintendent Dr. Steven Lowder Dec. 17.
The letter, obtained by CBS Sacramento, states that the student went home from her elementary school sick on Thursday, was treated first at a local hospital and then at Oakland Children’s Hospital, where she died Sunday.
The student has been identified as 9-year-old Jewel Knight, a fourth grade student at Kennedy, according to the local CBS affiliate.
The letter informed parents of the possible exposure and urging any one who thinks they may have had contact with the girl’s oral secretions to contact their doctor. In addition, district nurses were at Kennedy on Monday to determine whether anyone had close contact with the child.
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord and is caused by bacteria or viruses. The bacterial form of the disease is the most serious. Early symptoms can be mistaken for the flu and include high fevers, skin rash, chills, headaches, stiff necks, vomiting and seizures.
Bacterial meningitis is a devastating disease and is considered a medical emergency. If you have the classic symptoms, see your health care professional. It can be treated with antibiotics, but without delay.
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