Infectious Meningitis Fells Long Island Teacher and Teen

A high school guidance counselor in Fresh Meadow and a student from Massapequa both died from bacterial meningitis this week, according to ABC News. The student's infection progressed so rapidly that he died within 24 hours of first showing symptoms.

Meningitis is a bacterial infection of the blood-bearing lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. Even those who survive the infection can suffer permanent impairment and symptoms can include high fever and rash.

The disease is spread by close contact with infected persons, not casual contact and there is no suggestion of a link between the two cases. Roughly 300 people nationwide die from the disease every year.

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