24 February 2024 , 09:11
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An 11-year-old boy has died of meningitis, as his school warned parents to keep a look out for symptoms.
According to the Florida Department of Health in Volusia, the child attended Burns Science and Technology Charter School in Oak Hill, Volusia County in Florida. The school sent students home with a warning Friday alerting parents to be on the lookout for symptoms in their children. The disease is largely preventable through the use of vaccinations.
The note read, as reported by local media: "After reporting to the health department, CDC, and district, we are informing you that your child may have been exposed to Meningitis.
"We are following all mandated protocols, and the district is personally contacting any families whose students were in close contact. We feel there is no harm in taking extra precautions and ask you to consider reaching out to your health care professional on this matter."
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Meningitis is a largely preventable disease through vaccination (Getty Images)The identity of the deceased young boy has not been revealed, and the circumstances surrounding how and when he contracted meningitis remain unclear. According to reports, the child went home sick Tuesday with a stomach ache and died either late Tuesday or Wednesday.
The chair of the board of this charter school, Albert Amalfitano, said in a statement: "This has rocked us to the core and we feel terrible for the family of this boy. We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our other students."
Meningitis, characterised by infection and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord's fluid and membranes, can swiftly escalate, often proving fatal even with prompt medical attention.
Both the viral and bacterial forms of the infection can be spread through close contact. Parents of students at the school were worried after a large event was held on campus Thursday night.
Parent Crystal Hogg told WESH 2 News : "That's my biggest concern because that was last night. I don't know any details because we weren't given a lot of details. I don't know when this child got sick."
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The parent of fifth-grade student Trey Solms also said: "I just hope that everybody is OK. This is something we have to be very careful of. And I hope everyone is alright."
Despite Volusia County Schools not directly governing the charter school, they extended support in managing the aftermath of the tragedy.
A statement from the school district read: "The VCS district mental health team dispatched its Crisis & Mental Health Response team to Burns Science and Technology Charter School on Wednesday to provide support and grief counselling for students and staff."
"The team is also available to meet with students and staff over the coming days and weeks as needed. Virtual grief counselling sessions are also available upon request."
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Mental health services coordinator for the school district, Jessica McIntyre, said: "As with any kind of therapy, we don't want to push, but we want to make sure their questions are answered to the best of our abilities and they feel safe and comfortable being able to talk with someone whether that is someone at the school, or someone at home."