File photo. (Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com)
A student at Neshaminy High School died Tuesday after suddenly becoming ill, the school administration announced in an email to parents.
Student Ryan Duffy became suddenly ill late last week and was admitted to the intensive care unit at a hospital, according to Neshaminy High School Principal Stephen Garstka.
The note said Ryan’s family gave the school permission to share that he was diagnosed with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common type of bacteria that can cause ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and meningitis
Read more: What to know & how to lessen the risk of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningitis
The administration stressed that this type of meningitis is “not usually contagious in a school setting” and typically does “not typically spread through casual contact, such as being in the same classroom or cafeteria.”
Common symptoms of meningitis include neck stiffness, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light, the principal said.
School and district administrators are working with the Bucks County Health Department, and enhanced cleaning is being carried out at the high school.
According to the principal, students and staff are not required to take any preventive or special precautions or receive antibiotics for prophylaxis based on public health guidance.
Families with specific health concerns were advised to contact their healthcare provider.
Garstka stated that the school is holding the family “in our thoughts and wish them strength in this difficult time.”
A counseling team will be available at the school to provide support for staff and students as needed.
Parents concerned about their child’s ability to cope with the loss were asked to contact the high school counseling office.
The school acknowledged that a sudden death may generate “many concerns and rumors.” Parents were advised to contact their child’s grade level office if they hear distressing information about Ryan’s passing.
A number of resources for grieving children, teens and families were provided, including: Hands Holding Hearts, Safe Harbor (Abington Memorial Hospital), the Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families, St. Mary’s Medical Center Spiritual Counseling Department, the National Association of School Psychologists resource pages, and the Lenape Valley Foundation Mobile Crisis Unit.
