LANGHORNE, PA — A Neshaminy High School student has died of meningitis after suddenly becoming ill, school officials said.
Neshaminy High School Principal Stephen Garstka sent a notice to high school families to announce the death of high school senior Ryan Duffy on Tuesday.
“Ryan’s family has given us permission to share with you that he became suddenly ill late last week and was admitted to the ICU at the hospital. We hold the family in our thoughts and wish them strength in this difficult time,” the principal said.
School officials said that Duffy was diagnosed with Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningitis, a common type of bacteria that can cause ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Garstka stressed to parents that the type of meningitis is not usually contagious in a school setting. He said that it does not typically spread through casual contact, such as someone being in the same classroom or cafeteria as someone who is infected.
Common meningitis symptoms include neck stiffness, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light.
The school district is providing counseling in the wake of the death, the principal said.
The principal said the school district is also working with the Bucks County Department of Health, and has increased cleaning at the High School.
He said that students and staff at the school are not required to take any preventive or special precautions or receive antibiotics at this time. Families who have specific health concerns should contact their healthcare provider for guidance.
The school district has made several resources available for families:
- Hands Holding Hearts, 1.445.444.5374 (Newtown)
- Safe Harbor (Abington Memorial Hospital) www.amh.org: a program for grieving children, teens, and families
- Center for Grieving Children, Teens, and Families, 215.744.4025 (Philadelphia)
- St. Mary’s Medical Center, Langhorne, Spiritual Counseling Department, 215.710.5902
- National Association of School Psychologists: Addressing Grief (nasponline.org)
- Lenape Valley Foundation Mobile Crisis Unit, 1.877.435.7709
- Good Grief, https://good-grief.org/ Grief-Based on Developmental Stages
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