New Boston girl, 11, dead from meningitis

An 11-year-old New Boston, Texas, girl died Wednesday in an Arkansas hospital from meningitis, an official said.

Emeline Alsie Hayes was a sixth-grade student at New Boston Middle School.

“She was diagnosed with meningitis but we’ve been assured by the Arkansas Health Department that there is no concern for the health of our other students or faculty,” said New Boston Superintendent Gary VanDeaver. “The meningitis strain she had was non-contagious and there is no reason for us to be concerned with vaccination or any other precautionary measures.”

Parents of children at the middle school have been notified about the situation.

“We have notified parents in the community to let them know about it and assure them that their children or themselves are not at any health risk because of this,” VanDeaver said.

There were counselors on campus at New Boston Middle School on Thursday.

“They have been there all day and they’ve been talking with students on a need-to basis. They’re also there to support staff as well. This has been very tough on several of our staff members who were close to this student,” said VanDeaver.

The last day Emeline was in school was Nov. 22, VanDeaver said.

Arrangements are pending with Comforter Funeral Home in New Boston, Texas.