Meningococcal disease kills student

‘‘At this current time, the Taranaki District Health Board does not believe this case poses an increased risk to students at NPBHS, including immediate class members. There is also no increased risk to the wider community.’’

New Plymouth Boys’ High School principal Paul Veric

A Taranaki high school student has died of meningococcal disease, it can be revealed.

The teenager, who attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School, died on Saturday, just days after his illness was discovered.

He died the day before Dr Greg Simmons, Taranaki medical officer of health, issued a reminder for people to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of the potentially-fatal disease after becoming aware of the case.

NPBHS headmaster Paul Veric confirmed one of the school’s students passed away on Saturday, March 10, due to meningococcal disease.

‘‘During this tragic time, our sincerest thoughts and support are with his family and friends,’’ Veric said.

‘‘We currently have, and will continue to have, many students and staff extremely upset by this tragedy.’’

The boy’s family had specifically requested privacy during the incredibly difficult time, which the school was respecting, he said.

‘‘The Taranaki District Health Board are providing regular advice and support to New Plymouth Boys’ High School to ensure that students and staff are safe and have access to information around meningococcal disease.

‘‘At this current time, the Taranaki District Health Board does not believe this case poses an increased risk to students at NPBHS, including immediate class members,’’ Veric said.

‘‘There is also no increased risk to the wider community.’’

The families of students who attend the school have been contacted by email to advise them of the death, he said.

A TDHB spokeswoman confirmed the organisation had been working with the school and there was no risk to the wider community at this time.

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterial germ Neisseria meningitidis - young children, teenagers and young adults are most at risk of developing it.

It can cause meningitis - an infection of the membrane around the brain, septicaemia - also known as blood poisoning, and, rarely, infection in other sites in the body.

At any time up to 10 per cent of the population has the meningococcal disease bug in their throat but it is not known why it only affects some people.

The bacteria is spread through close contact including kissing, sharing food and coughing.

Simmons said the disease could progress very quickly and in its early stages the symptoms could appear as a flu-like illness.

‘‘However, meningococcal disease can be very serious and people should be reminded of the signs and symptoms.’’

These could include a high temperature, headache, confusion and sleepiness, joint pain, aching muscles and or neck stiffness, vomiting and a skin rash.

He encouraged the public not to delay seeking medical treatment if an individual was sick and said patients should be checked regularly.

The TDHB and the school would not release any further information.