Student Dies From Meningitis

A Kansas sixth-grader has died from complications of bacterial meningitis, but his school district and state health officials insist the disease is not contagious and does not pose a public health risk.

The Louisburg Unified School District on Wednesday confirmed the death of Aaron T. Willard a day earlier. The district said in a statement it was providing counselors for students and staff members who need them.

Kansas state epidemiologist Charlie Hunt says the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has not recommended taking any preventative actions in regard to Aaron’s death.

Hunt says bacterial infections causing meningitis typically occur in household or dormitory settings where there is close personal contact with someone carrying the bacteria, but not so much in general classroom settings.

Associated Press information from: The Kansas City Star