Naval Academy: Eissler's death a 'tragic loss'

Funeral services are set Friday for midshipman with meningitis

By SHANTEE WOODARDS, Staff Writer

Published 11/19/08

The Naval Academy has released the identity of the midshipman who died this week and confirmed he had bacterial meningitis.

MIDSHIPMAN FREDERICK HENRY EISSLER

Midshipman Frederick Henry Eissler of West Chester, Pa., died Monday at the University of Maryland Medical Center from complications from the illness, academy officials said.

The 20-year-old attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School from 2007 to 2008 before entering the Naval Academy in July with the Class of 2012.

Survivors include his parents, Fred and Helene, and four younger sisters. The family declined comment through the Naval Academy. Funeral services are scheduled for noon Friday at the Naval Academy Chapel, officials said.

"The Naval Academy is deeply saddened by this tragic loss," Superintendent Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler said in a prepared statement. "Our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the Eissler family. Our thoughts are with them during this very difficult time."

The afternoon of Midshipman Eissler's death, some of his classmates lined the halls of the hospital and sang "Navy Blue and Gold" as he was being brought in for his final round of testing. They later sang "The Navy Hymn," which "left not a dry eye in the corridor", according to a posting on a Naval Academy message board.

"Remember this group of kids (and they really are so very young) were not commanded to be at the hospital, they were there by choice, missing their sports and studies to give the gift of love and support to a member of our Navy Family," a person who identified themselves as a friend of the family wrote. "It is a moment that myself and my family will never forget."

Midshipman Eissler began feeling ill on the evening of Nov. 12. He was taken to BWMC by ambulance for treatment of possible bacterial meningitis. He was moved to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore on Friday for further care. He died shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday.

Meningitis is an infection of the spinal chord fluid that surrounds the brain and the disease is caused either through a viral or bacterial infection.

Bacterial meningitis is more serious and can be treated with antibiotics, while the viral form is less severe and can resolve on its own. Last year, the Anne Arundel County Health Department received reports of four cases of bacterial meningitis and 28 cases of viral meningitis.

Symptoms include a headache, neck stiffness, fever and sometimes confusion. Patients also often have an inability to tolerate bright light, said Dr. Neel Vibhakar, of Baltimore Washington Medical Center. It is diagnosed through a spinal tap.

The Naval Academy's medical staff has identified 63 midshipmen and staff members who have had close contact with Midshipman Eissler. They are being given prophylactic antibiotics. That's up from the initial 44 people officials said they were treating after announcing the midshipman was being treated for bacterial meningitis symptoms.

"There are a lot of different ways to contract meningitis and it typically can be obtained through the blood stream or direct contact," said Dr. Vibhakar, BWMC's assistant director of emergency medicine. "The high-risk folks that need antibiotics are folks in intimate relations with this person, they're in close quarters with them a long period of time, like child care, dorm rooms or household members."

Midshipman Eissler attended the Archmere Academy in Claymont, Del., where graduates include Vice President-elect Joe Biden. There, he was an offensive lineman on the football team, as well as being part of the baseball and intramural basketball team.

Bob Nowaczyk was Midshipman Eissler's football coach and teacher for both world history and U.S. history.

"I don't want to say he was quiet, but he was very friendly. He got along with all kinds of different groups of kids at the school," Mr. Nowaczyk said, adding that attending the Naval Academy was a lifelong dream of his. "He talked about it every year. To me, that's why he was such a special kid. He wasn't our greatest scholar, but that was his goal and he worked toward it and accomplished it."

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Naval Academy: Eissler's - November 23, 2008

The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org. MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at a family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and www.musa.org Thank you, Meningitis Foundation of America P O Box 83602 Phoenix, AZ 85071 480-270-2652 www.musa.org

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C. Petrie - Phoenix, AZ - Karma: Bad

MIDN Frederick Eissler - November 22, 2008

May God bless MID Eissler and his family. I mourn with them and console in knowing that he achieved his lifelong dream of attending the USNA.

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J. Guerra - Ocala, FL - Karma: Bad

Death of F. Eissler - November 21, 2008

My heart goes out to the family, and I will be praying for you. I lost my 20-year old son to this disease, and it is the shock of our lives. I know my Eddy was there greeting your son, and may the scientists find out why this hideous disease claims our young people in the prime of their lives. God Bless. Gail Bailey

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Gail Bailey - Jefferson, WI - Karma: Bad

Fred Eissler JR RIP - November 20, 2008

May God Bless the repose of the Soul of Fred Eissler Jr and May GOD Bestow his Mercy and Solace on the Eissler family and help them Overcome the Shock and Awe of the Loss of their Only Son. May They have the courage to Offer their suffering for his soul and all the Souls in Purgatory!May he rest in Eternal Peace! Amen!

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Kevin McCarthy - APO AE, NY - Karma: Bad