Child Dies From Bacterial Meningitis

A South Jersey boy has died of a contagious bacterial infection. The 5-year-old had meningococcal disease. He died late Monday afternoon at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The unidentified child was hospitalized on Saturday.

The boy attended the Early Childhood Education Center in Hammonton, N.J.

Parents of other children at the school have been notified about the illness. They have been told to contact their doctor.

Meningococcal disease is spread through close contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils. Symptoms include fever, headache, and nausea.

Doctors say even after exposure to the bacteria, it is unusual to be infected. But they say if someone has been exposed to the bacteria, infection can be prevented with antibiotics.

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