KILLEEN, TX — A Killeen ISD elementary school student died at 1p.m. on Wednesday, according to the boy's father.
Killeen ISD said the boy was a second-grader at Saegert Elementary School.
The father said the 8-year-old boy was taken to the hospital on Saturday and died on Wednesday.
A GoFundMefor the boy was created on April 4 and has already surpassed its goal of $3,000.
The school district had counseling teams on hand at the elementary school to provide support to students.
The state health district said the boy had a confirmed case of pneumococcal meningitis. It is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
Between 15 and 20 percent of those with pneumococcal meningitis will die, according to reports.
An investigation began with the Bell County Public Health District, and it was confirmed that the student did not have Neisseria meningitis. However, there are multiple different strands of bacteria that can cause meningitis.
Killeen ISD said the Saegert Elementary School student was hospitalized with a possible case of bacterial meningitis and warned parents on Tuesday.
Superintendent John Craft sent out an email to parents, and they were also being notified by voicemail.
Here is the letter that was sent out:
"Dear Parents and Staff,
The Killeen Independent School District and Saegert Elementary School are continuously working proactively to ensure the safety of our students and staff. This letter is to inform you that we were notified a Saegert Elementary School student has been recently diagnosed with Meningitis. The district has worked and will continue to work with the Bell County Public Health Department and they have advised the district to notify parents of potential symptoms to look for and when to seek medical treatment. Common symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis in children are:
· Fever
· Rash
· Headache
· Neck stiffness
· Vomiting
· Chills
· Muscle and joint pain
· Abdominal pain
If your student exhibits any combinations of the above symptoms, please seek medical attention.
Meningitis is spread to other people through:
· Coughing
· Kissing
· Sharing anything by mouth (example sharing a water bottle or sharing contaminated objects)
More information regarding Meningococcal Meningitis can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov [cdc.gov].The district will be thoroughly cleaning the entire Saegert Elementary School campus this evening, using hospital-grade disinfectant, as well as fogging of all spaces, out of an abundance of caution.
We will communicate any pertinent information as necessary to keep you informed and our children and staff safe. Thank you for your attention to this important matter."
Killeen ISD also said they deep cleaned their building overnight on Tuesday. They continue to urge parents to bring their child to the doctor if their child exhibits any signs of bacteria meningitis.
