O.C. Parents Assured Epidemic Not Likely

Officials at an Orange County middle school sent a letter home to parents on Tuesday reassuring them that no epidemic is imminent after the death of a 14-year-old student from meningococcal infection, a rare but contagious bacterial disease.

Because the incubation period for the disease has passed with no new cases reported, “we should be out of the woods,” said Mark Eliot, a spokesman for Tustin Unified School District. The district includes Hewes Middle School, where the stricken girl was a student.

“It’s not an issue of fear as much as of loss,” Eliot said of officials’ statement to parents.

A team of psychologists and counselors spent much of the day in the school library helping youngsters cope with their grief. By day’s end, Eliot said, about 30 students had received counseling.

“What we’re doing is allowing them to talk about their feelings,” said Connie Golden, a school psychologist who was part of the team.

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Lauren Burke, an eighth-grader, died Friday after being hospitalized the week before with flu-like symptoms and diagnosed with probable meningococcal disease. The virulent bacterial infection, which targets the blood and spinal systems, is spread through contact with the mucous or saliva of an infected person.

Health officials said the disease infects about one in 100,000 people annually in the United States. Orange County has an average of 30 meningococcal cases a year, with one to four of those being fatal, Orange County Health Care Agency officials said. However, last year there were 23 cases resulting in six deaths.

In Los Angeles County last year, there were 73 cases reported, of which 11 were fatal.

“It’s a disease that strikes fear in the heart of any normal human being,” said Dr. Hildy Myers, director of communicable disease control and epidemiology for Orange County.

To help calm those fears, school officials sent home letters last week outlining symptoms of the disease, including the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, and nausea or vomiting. They also detailed precautions, such as covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently and refraining from sharing food and beverages.

“What we’re stressing,” Eliot said, “is simple hygiene.”

Tustin Unified Trustee Jane Bauer, whose three daughters graduated from Hewes, said she received several calls from parents Tuesday, “more to talk than to express any fears.”

“I think [school officials] have handled it really well,” she said. “Mostly everybody is just sympathetic to the parents.”

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At Hewes on Tuesday, students gathered to remember their classmate.

“A lot of people have puffy eyes,” said Issa Reyna, 13, who was in a class with Lauren. “She sat right next to me. It’s just weird that she’s not going to be here any more.”

Darla Koke, a parent of two daughters at the school, said she could empathize with the family’s grief.

“It’s very sad,” she said. “I can’t even imagine what her parents must be going through. It’s horrific.”

Jennifer Kingsley, another eighth grader and a friend of the stricken teen, said that her grief was mingled with regret.

“Lauren was always nice to everyone,” she said. “She gave people hugs a lot. I’m really depressed and sad. I feel guilty because I wish I could have given her one more hug, one more smile. I wish I could have been a better friend.”

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About Meningococcal Infection

It spreads by contact with an infected person’s saliva. Examples include sharing food, utensils or anything that might be put in the mouth. Kissing is also a means of transmission. More about the infection:

SYMPTOMS

A combination of the following symptoms, along with progressively worsening health, should be given immediate medical attention:

* Sudden fever

* Severe headache

* Nausea (may include vomiting)

* Rash with pinpoint dots

* Stiff neck

PREVENTION

* Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

* Avoid sharing eating utensils, food and beverages

* Wash hands before eating and after using the restroom

* If you live in the same household as an infected person or share food or drink with one, see your doctor about antibiotic treatment

Sources: Orange County Health Care Agency, Hewes Middle School