Credit: CDC
The death of a Neshaminy High School student from Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis this week has brought attention to the serious, life-threatening bacterial infection, and its prevention.
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Principal Stephen Garstka announced the death of senior Ryan Duffy, who became “suddenly ill late last week,” in a note to families.
The teen was diagnosed with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, according to the principal.
What is Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is also known as pneumococcus, is a bacterium that is blamed for a number of illnesses. It can cause less severe issues like ear and sinus infections to severe diseases that are known as invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
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The bacterium is known to cause inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a “life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by acute inflammation of the meninges—the membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord,” according to the National Institutes Of Health.
Meningitis is one of the most severe forms of IPD.
Cause: The infection is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which is often carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat by healthy people.
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Spread: The bacteria can spread from person to person through respiratory fluids, such as coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with nose and throat secretions. However, Neshaminy School District officials and health experts said that Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis is not typically contagious through casual contact in a school setting, unlike other forms of bacterial meningitis.
Symptoms: Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear suddenly and may include a high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion and sensitivity to light. In children, symptoms may also include irritability or low alertness. The infection requires rapid medical treatment with antibiotics to prevent severe complications, including hearing loss, brain damage or death, according to local health officials and the Mayo Clinic.
Protecting Against the Infection
One of best defenses against pneumococcal disease, including meningitis, is vaccination, according to the Meningitis Research Foundation.
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The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccines for all infants and young children, as well as for adults 65 years and older, and for people ages 19 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions.
The two main types of vaccines are Pneumococcal Conjugate and the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide.
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Vaccines work by helping the body’s immune system recognize the bacteria and produce protective antibodies, the Meningitis Research Foundation said.
Neshaminy High School has been working with the Bucks County Health Department after the teen’s death, including providing counseling services and increasing cleaning protocols at the high school in Middletown Township.
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“Based on longstanding public health guidance, students and staff at the school are not required to take any preventive or special precautions or receive antibiotics for prophylaxis at this time,” the school district said.
Families with specific health concerns about their children are advised to contact their healthcare provider for individual guidance, school officials said.
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