CARMEL VALLEY -- A 15-year-old Canyon Crest Academy student died of Meningococcal disease Sunday, and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, while noting that the risk of infection is extradorinarily low, is urging parents to seek vaccination for their children.

Those in close contact with the student, identified on the school's website as freshman Adria Horning, have been notified and advised to seek preventive antibiotic treatment, according to a release from the health services agency.

Close contact is defined as living in the same household or sharing oral secretions, such as by kissing or sharing food, drinks, water bottles, cigarettes, lipstick, etc.

Parents also have been advised to be on alert for symptoms which include: fever, headache, stiff neck and/or rash that does not blanch on pressure, according to the agency release.

To reduce the spread of meningococcal disease and other communicable diseases, the agency recommends not sharing food, drinks, water bottles, lipstick or lip balm, etc. A vaccine is available to prevent some strains of meningococcal disease. For more information on the disease and the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_meningitis.htm

For information about free and low-cost vaccine, go to www.sdiz.org.

The school is providing counseling support for students who are in need throughout the week in the staff lounge, according to a letter on the school's website.