Staff members from the Boston Public Health Commission plan to be at the school today to help counsel students and faculty.
Health officials say a relatively small number of students and faculty at the school are at risk of infection from the seventh-grade student, who was not identified because of patient confidentiality.
At this difficult time, our hearts ache for the family and friends of this young student,’’ Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “We mourn her loss and join with the Boston Latin Academy in this hour of grief.’’
Superintendent Carol R. Johnson said the school community sends “our most sincere condolences to those who loved her.’’
“We have assembled a team of counselors who are ready to work with the Boston Latin Academy community in the difficult days ahead,’’ Johnson said.
School officials worked with staff from the health commission to identify individuals who may have been in close contact with the student and, “out of an abundance of caution, are advising that they go see their doctor,’’ said Matthew Wilder, School Department spokesman.
Dr. Anita Barry, director of the Infectious Disease Bureau at the Public Health Commission, said agency officials estimate that fewer than 50 students and faculty had close enough contact with the 12-year-old girl to be at risk.
The germ that causes meningitis spreads through contact with saliva, such as by kissing or sharing a water bottle, or by a cough, Barry said. The infection causes an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
School officials notified students and their families about the student and her illness over the weekend.
Dr. Helen W. Boucher of Tufts Medical Center said yesterday bacterial meningitis is the most serious form of meningitis.
“Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious, but it really depends on the type of bacteria and how close the contact is,” Boucher said. “We usually only worry about close contacts such as family members and roommates. Anyone who is worried and had potential contact should speak to either the school nurse or their own doctor.”
Schools spokesman Matthew Wilder said the school spent yesterday working with the Boston Public Health Commission to identify any students or faculty members who had prolonged close contact with the student and advised them to seek medical attention.
Health officials estimate there have been fewer than 10 cases of bacterial meningitis this year in the Boston area.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck and/or neck pain, nausea and vomiting, a rash, confusion and drowsiness.
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