Letter From Superintendent About Meningitis Case in South Euclid

Following is the text of a letter sent by Mark Freeman, Superintendent of Schools, to parents and staff members in the Shaker Heights City School District on December 5, 2002.

Dear Shaker School Families and Staff Members:
As you may know from media reports, Eric Russell, a student at Brush High School, died Monday of what is believed to be meningitis. The loss of a young person is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with Eric’s family and friends at this most difficult time.

I believe it is important to let you know that Eric had several friends in Shaker Heights. A small group of Shaker Heights High School students who recently had contact with him have been notified of possible exposure and are on preventive medication as recommended by physicians. It is not yet known which type of meningitis Eric had.

At this time, we are not aware of anyone in Shaker who has contracted meningitis as a consequence of contact with Eric, and we do not anticipate any problems. Nonetheless, we feel a responsibility to let you know of the chance, however remote, of exposure, and to be alert to the symptoms of meningitis. Anyone with a severe headache or stiff neck accompanied by a fever should seek medical attention immediately.

I hope that this letter has not caused undue alarm. However, I thought it was important that you have this information. Detailed information about meningitis is available on The Centers for Disease Control. If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact your family doctor or school nurse.

We will continue to work with the District physician, nurses, and public health officials to monitor the situation. We appreciate your support as we seek to protect the children of our community.

Sincerely,

Mark Freeman
Superintendent of Schools

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