Perry student dies from meningococcal disease

A senior at Perry High School is dead after contracting a bacterial infection. The girl came down with symptoms on Saturday and died Sunday. She is the second person to die from meningococcal disease in Georgia this year.

The disease is spread through the saliva from things like sharing a drink or kissing. Symptoms include; headache, high fever, stiff neck, and a purple rash. Some of the girl's friends and family members are taking medication as a precaution.

The disease kills about 150 people in the United States each year. Health officials say there is a vaccine for the disease and recommends that people get vaccinated starting at age 11.