Broad Run Student Died of Meningitis: Report

Image: Twitter #WEplayfor24

A local TV station reported Friday that the sudden death of a student earlier this week at Broad Run High School was caused by meningococcal meningitis.

WUSA Channel 9 reported on its website that the Virginia Medical Examiner’s office determined Friday that Madison Small, an 18-year-old senior, came down with Neisseria Sepsis, a case of meningococcal meningitis. She fell ill Monday and died early Tuesday.

On Tuesday night, Madison’s family, classmates and friends gathered on a softball field at Broad Run for an informal memorial service. Many have also taken to social media to honor her memory; one Twitter hashtag is #WEplayfor24

In a statement released Friday, the Loudoun County Health Department confirmed that a death from meningococcal meningitis recently occurred in the county. But it did not state that the 18-year-old was the victim.

The Health Department said it has received many calls from residents who may have been exposed to the infection, but there’s currently no evidence of a meningitis outbreak in the community,

“Our thoughts are with the family during this very difficult time,” said Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the Loudoun County Health Department, in the statement. “The Health Department is evaluating all of the reports that we received to identify whether anyone is at an increased risk of infection.”

Meningitis, an infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, the Health Department said. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness — and the treatments — differ.

Goodfriend stressed the importance of frequent hand-washing to help prevent the spread of many types of communicable diseases. Parents and concerned residents should also seek a medical evaluation if any symptoms develop.

Click here for a fact sheet from the Virginia Department of Health about meningococcal disease.