Thread: Parent on Mexican trip dies of bacterial meningitis

Parent who accompanied seniors on Mexican trip dies of bacterial meningitis
By JIM SULLINGER

A senior trip for 42 high school students to a Mexican resort ended tragically when one of the parents died Monday of bacterial meningitis.

Mary Jo Allen, 58, a Lenexa home builder, Realtor and developer, left for the Riu Playacar resort on the Yucatan peninsula on March 16. Also on the trip were her daughter, Emily Hoops, 20, and son, David Hoops, 18, a senior at Shawnee Mission West High School and a member of the school’s baseball team.

Allen, known to everyone as MJ, flew back to Kansas City on Sunday afternoon and became ill late that day. She was pronounced dead at Shawnee Mission Medical Center the next day.

Teri Scott, a nurse who was with Allen during the trip, said she appeared tired on the last day of the weeklong vacation but didn’t appear ill. She complained of a sore throat.

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid around the spinal cord that ultimately surrounds the brain. The Johnson County Health Department said the symptoms included fever, headache and a stiff neck. Among the more severe symptoms are confusion or seizures.

Scott said students and parents on the trip were given antibiotics Monday at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

Meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions such as coughing, kissing or sharing drinks. None of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as the common cold or the flu, for example, and they are not spread by casual contact.

Officials said those at risk have been identified and treated. Health officials said symptoms usually appear within five days after exposure, although it can be up to 10 days.

Terri Stronach, a real estate agent who worked for Allen’s company, said she talked on the phone with Allen about 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

“She seemed fine,â€

Don't go to MEXICO, it is not as we don't have Third World Diseases here already, though.

Two negatives here do not make a positive.

There are no reasons to go to Mexico, as far as I am concerned, ever. We have a lot of resorts that give group rates, have great beaches and services. If you want the Mexican experience, talk to the maids cleaning the rooms. We need the money to stay in this country. And if you want to be immersed in Hispanic culture, go to Miami with the Berlitz book.

Originally Posted by vortex

There are no reasons to go to Mexico, as far as I am concerned, ever. We have a lot of resorts that give group rates, have great beaches and services. If you want the Mexican experience, talk to the maids cleaning the rooms. We need the money to stay in this country. And if you want to be immersed in Hispanic culture, go to Miami with the Berlitz book.

You never fail to make me laugh vortex! I agree that now is not the time to go to Mexico. Plus, I am already immersed in Mexican culture on a daily basis.