11-year-old Volusia County student dies of meningitis

An 11-year-old boy who attended a Volusia County school died of bacterial meningitis in February, according to the autopsy report by the Volusia County Medical Examiner.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia said the child attended Burns Science and Technology Charter School, a K-12 charter school in Oak Hill.

It’s not known how or when the boy contracted meningitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

“It’s important to note that these symptoms can happen so fast that even with seeking care children can die of this illness,” said Dr. Jenna Wheeler, a pediatric critical care physician at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando.

Albert Amalfitano, chairman of the board for the charter school, said the boy’s death “has rocked us to the core.”

“We feel terrible for the family of this boy,” Amalfitano said. “We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our other students.”

Volusia County Schools does not oversee the charter school but did assist in helping others cope with the boy’s death.

“The VCS district mental health team dispatched its Crisis & Mental Health Response team to Burns Science and Technology Charter School on Wednesday to provide support and grief counseling for students and staff. The team is also available to meet with students and staff over the coming days and weeks as needed. Virtual grief counseling sessions are also available upon request as we help students, staff and families navigate this difficult time,” the district said in a statement.

Most cases of meningitis are caused by a viral infection, but bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause it.

“The things to look for specifically with meningitis are an illness that’s worsening. It often comes with high fever,” Wheeler said.

Some cases of meningitis improve without treatment in a few weeks. Others require emergency antibiotic treatment.

The inflammation from meningitis can cause symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.

Wheeler said bacterial meningitis is serious, but is also very rare. There is a higher risk for people who are immune compromised, however, she said.

“Generally bacterial meningitis isn’t contagious just from sitting next to somebody from, sitting at the same desk and things like that,” Wheeler said.

No other details have been released.