The City of Hamilton's health department is warning anyone who may have come into contact with a 17-year-old girl who died this week that they may have been exposed to meningitis.
The student, who attended St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, passed away on Nov. 24 from a suspected case of meningitis – a highly contagious bacterial infection.
Hamilton's Public Health Services has already provided treatment for the girl's close family and friends, but warns others may have come into direct contact with the virus.
It said the girl had recently attended house parties and several bars during the infectious period.
Anyone who was at the Rokbar, in Hamilton's north end on Nov. 19 or Basha, a Shisha waterpipe bar on Upper James, on Nov. 21, could have come into direct contact with the girl.
Public Health Services is asking anyone who may have shared a drink, cigarette, hooka pipe or eating utensils or kissed to contact them immediately.
Meningococcal meningitis disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread among individuals who have close, prolonged contact, such as household contacts, family members, or very close friends.
Symptoms include fever, rash, severe headaches, vomiting, unusual drowsiness, irritability or stiff neck. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
