Student (17) dies week after London trip, presumably from meningitis: « Chambermates and family members receive antibiotic cure » (Diksmuide)
The girl went to school in 't Saam Campus Aloysius in Diksmuide. – © Ronny Vanhooren
A 17 -year -old girl who schooled at 't Saam in Diksmuide suddenly died on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after she fell ill. There is a strong suspicion that it concerns meningitis. The girl was just a week ago from a school trip to London with her classmates, so that preventive measures are now being taken.
Last week the sixth year-olds of the high school 't Saam Campus Sint-Aloysius in Diksmuide still enjoyed their school trip in London. Also the 17-year-old girl, who also lives in Diksmuide, was there and the school trip herself went smoothly. This week the girl suddenly fell ill and her condition quickly deteriorated. She died on Wednesday, within 24 hours after she fell ill.
Perhaps meningitis
What the girl died of is still being investigated, but due to the rapid course of the disease there is a strong suspicion that the meningococcal bacterium is a meningitis. « It is rare that such infection ends fatally and the infections themselves are not that common, » says Joris Moonens of the Care and Health Agency. “In Flanders there were 45 cases in 2024. There is no reason to panic, but preventive measures have been taken. In this way the students who slept in the room with her and her family members get an antibiotic cure. »
The school itself immediately informed the parents of the other sixth year and the Center for Student Guidance (CLB). The risk of infection is low, but everyone is asked for vigilance. “Those who suddenly suffer from fever, headache or vomiting, consult a doctor as quickly as possible. Other symptoms are a stiff neck or red spots on the skin. »
“Very involved student”
In the school 't Saam Campus Aloysius in the Wilgendijk in Diksmuide, the news is coming. « Everyone is very excited, » says director Isabelle De Keyser. “Her loss hits deep wounds in our school. We know the girl a very active and committed student, who was always ready to help others. We therefore provide guidance for all students at school and start the day today with an information moment in all classes where we will try to answer the questions of the students as well as possible. Whether the lessons will continue completely, let's depend on how the students deal with this grief. «
The school therefore also asked for assistance from two psychologists from the CLB. “There will also be a mourning corner in the school and the girl's classroom. Even as a school community we are off the map and hits this a deep wound. Today I contact the parents to express my compassion. Our thoughts now mainly go out to her family and loved ones. «
