A terrible story out of Queensbury, where the football team has learned 16-year-old center Jonathan Vasiliou has died from an infection. Doctors and public health officials are examining bacterial meningitis as a possible cause, though that has yet to be confirmed at this hour Wednesday afternoon.

The latest word from Queensbury school officials is that Saturday afternoon's game between Shaker and Queensbury will go on as scheduled.

“At this point, we’re planning on playing that," Athletic Director Scott Stuart said. "His family has expressed they would like that to happen.”

The district has released a statement regarding Vasiliou's death. It urges anyone who may have come into close contact with the player to contact their physicians and public health officials. 

The varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen football teams and their parents had the opportunity to meet with Queensbury's district physician and Warren County Public Health officials Wednesday morning.

After the jump, the full text of Queensbury's statement.

QUFSD mourns loss of student, reviews safety measures

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, Queensbury Union Free School District was notified that 16-year-old Jonathan Vasiliou, a Queensbury High School student/athlete, was taken to the Albany Medical Center on the evening of Monday, Aug. 27, with a very serious infection. Last night, district officials sadly learned that he passed away.

Jonathan was entering his junior year at the high school and was a member of the Queensbury varsity football team. He was also involved in Key Club, Academic Quiz Bowl team, Youth & Government, Mock Trial team, and was a Student Senate Officer.

“On behalf of the entire district, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Jonathan’s family at this difficult time,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Douglas W. Huntley. “Jonathan was very involved in our school and will be missed for many reasons. He was a great kid, someone who was well respected by faculty, staff and students alike.”

The cause of his infection is not currently known. School Physician Dr. Dan Larson consulted with Warren County Public Health and infectious disease specialists for recommendation to ensure student/athlete safety. Based on symptoms, it is suspected that the infection may have been bacterial meningitis (i.e., meningococcal disease), although this has not been confirmed. For Queensbury football players Dr. Larson recommends that players receive a single dose of a preventive medicine called ciprofloxacin, which is available as of Wednesday, Aug. 29, at no charge for Queensbury players’ parents or guardians to pick up at the Glens Falls Hospital outpatient pharmacy. Dr. Larson is also encouraging student/athletes and their families to discuss this matter with their own family physician.

Other student/athletes who may have had contact with Jonathan are encouraged to consult their local health department and family physician. According to Dr. Larson and Warren County Public Health officials, a bacterial meningitis infection is transmitted only through close contact with an infected person. Click here or contact Warren County Public Health at 761-6580 for more information.
As a preventative measure, the high school custodial staff has increased cleaning and disinfection measures in all potentially affected school areas.

School counselors are also available to help all students, faculty, staff and parents through this loss throughout the week. For more information, call the Guidance Office at 824-4604.

At this time the district does not yet have information on funeral services. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Until next time,
MC