Maple Point seventh grader Christopher McCole developed a rare and potentially fatal form of bacterial meningococcemia.

He now rests at home after receiving extensive treatment at Temple University Children’s Medical Center in Philadelphia.

“We cannot determine when Chris will return to school,” Maple Point Principal Ray Kelly explained.
It is unknown when he contracted the bacteria, but when the symptoms became evident he did not come to school on Jan. 22.

“However, the ten day incubation period has passed and I’ve spoken with his parents who say the worst part of the illness has past. He is 99 percent safe,” Kelly said.

The type of meningococcemia that was contracted by McCole is a bacterial illness and only those who were in close contact with the student. Such as sharing drinks and kissing, carry the possibility of inheriting the bacteria.

It is an infection found in the bloodstream that most commonly occurs in the winter and early spring. It is similar to meningitis aside from the fact that meningitis is an infection of the nervous system.

“We were notified by phone at approximately 11:30 a.m. that day,” Dr. Sandra Costanzo, district spokesperson said. “The Bucks County Health Department notified the school district and gave us guidance; a team was called in and debriefed, parents of 150 students who may have had close contact with Christopher were called and a letter was sent home by dismissal.”

Kelly reported that a letter was sent home to Maple Point Middle School students and parents on Jan. 22 informing them of the uncommon outbreak. “There are no precautions we can take because this disease can only be transmitted through intimate contact. Touching the same light switch the student did will not transmit the strain of bacteria,” the letter stated.

The letter also informed parents of the symptoms of the infection and urged safety above all. Neshaminy has taken proactive precautions to maintain students well being.

“The school administration did their very best job to inform parents, making it less likely for parents to be concerned that their child may be in jeopardy,” Costanzo said. There was a slight increase in absentees the next day, nothing significant. Students in McCole’s classes were visited by the school’s nurse and were introduced to the signs of meningococcemia.

Symptoms of meningococcemia include severe headaches, swelling and muscle aches, the appearance of red and purple blotches, vomiting, respiratory infections, joint pains, severe fever and critical illness in a short period of time.

The Bucks County Courier Times reported on Jan. 24 that the last case of meningococcemia within the Neshaminy Scghool District resulted in death back in 1996 when a girl from Oliver Heckman Elementary was diagnosed with the infection. Doctors however, have given McCole a more optimistic diagnosis.

McCole’s Maple Point family have sent cards, but at this point only family members have been permitted to visit the recuperating patient.

It is estimated that 25 percent of people carry this bacteria, but only those who have a low resistance develop the infection. Meanwhile, the Bucks County Health department has not discovered any new cases of the bacteria.