South Stanly HS student dies after contracting meningitis, officials say

STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — Officials said a student at South Stanly High School has died after contracting meningitis.

[ALSO READ: 1 confirmed bacterial meningitis death in North Carolina]

District officials said after receiving notification from the student’s family Monday, they immediately contacted local health officials, who then called the state for guidance.

They said the student had recently transferred from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District, but it was unclear from which school.

Stanly County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff James told Channel 9 the principal had called the boy's family after several absences and that the family said the student had the flu.

The student was hospitalized and the family members confirmed on Monday that he had died, James said.

The Stanly County Health Department said it’s confirmed the type of meningitis the student had does not put others at risk and there is of no public health concern.

Additional counselors were at the school Tuesday to help support students and staff members.

“The loss of such a young life leaves me speechless and in deep prayer for the family, community, and school," James said. "He was just integrating into the school. Just beginning their life and for this to happen, I’m sure the family is devastated and there is so much prayer for the family, the school and the community. It’s always hard with the loss of anyone, but being a young child, it makes it extremely hard.”

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