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A pennsylvania The teen has died from bacterial meningitis just months before graduating from high school, according to the school district.
Ryan Duffy, 18, was a senior at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne. His obituary said he was looking forward to attending prom and graduation this year before he died Tuesday.
His family remembered him as “a wonderful young man” who loved electronic and board games and recently became an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies.
According to a letter sent to parents, the Neshaminy School District said Duffy suddenly fell ill late last week and was hospitalized in the ICU. The letter said he was diagnosed with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis.
“We extend our condolences to the family and wish them strength during this difficult time,” the school district wrote.
Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by a bacterial infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis and other infections.
Streptococcus pneumoniae can be spread by direct contact with saliva or mucus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to prevent infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is vaccination.
While Duffy’s High School is using enhanced cleaning protocols, the district has clarified that Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis “is not typically contagious in the school setting and is not typically spread by casual contact, such as being in the same classroom or cafeteria.”
“These old diseases that have been around for years are still affecting people,” Eddie Maurer, a parent from nearby Bensalem, told the local ABC affiliate. WPVI“It doesn’t make any sense. It’s hard to believe.”
Duffy’s colleagues were also shocked by his sudden death.
“Not only was I surprised, but I was really scared,” said senior Vee Pyanova. fox 29 philadelphia“How am I different from the kid who went to high school with me?”
Skylar Heitz, another senior, who says she was “really good friends” with Duffy her freshman year, said, “I was shocked… I had no words.”
The CDC says most people recover from bacterial meningitis if treated properly, but warns that it can lead to death within a few hours.
So it’s important to know the symptoms, which include confusion, fever, headache, stiff neck and photophobia, which occurs when your eyes become more sensitive to light.