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Surrey child's fatal meningitis was non-communicable: Fraser Health

Kindergarten student at Sullivan Elementary passed away on the weekend.
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Fraser Health says no public health measures are necessary after a Surrey child died from meningitis on the weekend.

A letter was sent home to parents at Sullivan Elementary in south Newton, where the kindergarten student attended school.

The letter, written by Medical Health Officer Helena Swinkels, says the girl's illness was not meningococcal meningitis, but a non-communicable form of the disease.

She said no additional measures need to be taken to prevent illness at the school, adding "we do not anticipate there will be any further further cases and will keep in close contact with the school health officer to monitor the situation."

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain membrane and spinal cord and may be caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form and can be transmitted by direct contact with the saliva of an infected person.