HUMBOLDT PARK — Family and friends are in mourning after meningitis claimed the life of 9-year-old Desire Jackson, who attended Morton School of Excellence in Humboldt Park.
Desire died Wednesday from a non-contagious case of meningitis, which means there is no public health risk, according to Brian Richardson, a spokesman for the city's Department of Public Health.
To help the family pay for the funeral, Desire's soccer coach and gym teacher, Ryan Trauger, launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $7,500. As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had raised $4,735.
The fourth grader was an "avid soccer player, caring sister and dedicated student," according to the campaign. She had been attending the Humboldt Park school, 431 N. Troy St., since kindergarten.
"Desire had a vivacious spirit and brought energy and fun to anyone she interacted with. She was a constant help around the building and usually the first face people saw as they entered the building," the campaign reads.
Trauger said the school's "tight-knit community" is rallying around Desire's family. Her mother has been working at the school as a lunch room attendant for the last seven years.
"I think that's been the hardest part," he said. "Not only was I her P.E. teacher, but her mom works in the school. They're part of our family."
Morton School of Excellence Principal Peggie Burnett referred all questions to Chicago Public Schools, saying only "We love her. I'm in contact with the family."
Meningitis is the swelling of protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can be spread through coughing, kissing or sharing drinks, depending on whether it's a viral or bacterial case.
Richardson emphasized that Desire's case, however, was noncontagious.
"Our thoughts are with the child’s family and friends. We are working closely with school officials, but want to remind people that there is no immediate risk to close contacts, classmates or to the public at large. This is a tragic incident, but we have every reason to believe it is isolated," Richardson's prepared statement said.
It can take two to 10 days after initial infection for symptoms to appear, and symptoms include fever, headache and a stiff neck, perhaps leading to nausea, vomiting, confusion and heightened sensitivity to light.
Trauger said parents were notified of the death Wednesday. A spokeswoman for CPS didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
In April, the city held a news conference urging Chicagoans to get vaccinated when two new cases of viral meningitis broke out in Chicago's gay community, which brought the total number of recent cases to nine. All of those cases were in men who have sex with men.
Though the virus can cause death and other serious disabilities, meningitis can be prevented by a vaccine.
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