Stricken teen was at EWU football camp

Sat., July 10, 2004

Carla K. Johnson Staff writer

A King County teenager who died of bacterial meningitis Wednesday had attended a football camp in Cheney June 26 through 30.

About 500 other high school players attended the camp at Eastern Washington University. But health officials said only the boy’s own Bothell High teammates, and others in close contact with him during the 10 days before he became ill, are at risk.

The rare infection spreads from person to person by contact with saliva or nasal fluids.

Sharing drinking glasses or cigarettes could spread the bacteria, health officials said, but not casual contact, such as being in the same room. Exposure to the bacteria does not always lead to illness.

Fifteen people who had close contact with the boy are taking antibiotics as a precaution, said James Apa, spokesman for Public Health-Seattle & King County.

At the camp, teams worked separately, so players from other football teams are not considered at risk, said Donn Moyer, spokesman for the Washington Department of Health.

Worried parents may want to contact their child’s doctor for more information, Moyer added.

Both the state and King County health agencies are investigating and tracing the boy’s contacts.

The teenager became ill after a Monday evening football practice at Bothell High School.

He was an incoming sophomore at Bothell, said a spokeswoman for the Northshore School District. She would not give his name or age.

Also known as meningococcal disease, bacterial meningitis is an infection of the central nervous system.

Doctors are required to report it to public health departments.

There were seven cases of the disease in Spokane County last year. Washington state sees 75 to 125 cases each year. About 5 to 10 percent of cases are fatal.

Symptoms include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, malaise, rash and altered mental status. In severe cases, it can spread through the blood causing tissue damage, shock and clotting disorders.

Some colleges now require students to be immunized against bacterial meningitis. People living in close quarters, such as dormitories and barracks, are particularly at risk.

The Spokane Regional Health District began recommending meningitis vaccinations for college students in 2001.

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