ST. HELENS, Ore. — A St. Helens High School student died Monday and doctors suspect bacterial meningitis may have caused his death.
Paul Lewis, 16, was a sophomore and a member of the high school wrestling team. One student walking to lunch Tuesday afternoon described him as a "good kid."
According to Columbia County health officials, Lewis had a immunocompromised health system after surviving Leukemia as a child.
Lewis starting experiencing symptoms Sunday and was rushed to Randall Children's hospital in Portland. He passed away Monday.
"He was a really kind guy, he was always real happy. Really kindhearted guy and I don't think anybody will ever replace that type of soul. I don't believe that it was not his time to go." Max Swaim, a student at St. Helens High School said.
A message was sent to St Helens High School families about 5 a.m. on Tuesday letting them know of the students death and to watch for signs of others being infected.
"I told him not to hold it in, honor his memory and talk about it and talk about anything. I offered him mental health professional, whatever he wants. I'm just here for him."Max's dad Terry Swaim said.
Bacterial meningitis is a communicable disease that spreads from person to person when there is direct contact with mucus from an infected person's nose or throat. The disease does not spread through casual contact or by simply being in the same room as an infected person.
Columbia County Public Health is conducting an investigation to determine who had contact with the deceased student. Public Health staff is directly contacting individuals who were potentially exposed to make sure they get preventive antibiotics.
Columbia Public Health Director Mike Paul said here is who should be watching for symptoms:
Individuals who have spent at least 4 hours in close, face-to-face association with the case, cumulatively, within 7 days of October 20.
Anyone directly exposed to the case's cough or nasopharyngeal secretions (e.g., via kissing, wrestling with him between October 10 and 20. This would not include students in the same classroom, but would include wrestling partners, girlfriends or boyfriends, and siblings.
In general symptoms of meningitis to watch for include fever, stiff neck, severe headache, skin rash, weakness, confusion, irritability, and vomiting.
Symptoms can appear 2 to 10 days after exposure, but usually occur within 3 to 4 days. Antibiotic treatment of the disease is usually successful,
especially if started early after symptoms begin.
The school district has trained mental health professionals to help students and staff process this loss.