Teacher's Sudden Death Stuns Palo Alto Elementary School

PALO ALTO (CBS 5) - Palo Alto 5th grade teacher George Flath taught class on Friday, then his cold and flu-like symptoms apparently developed into a severe infection, and he died Sunday at the hospital.

At Hoover Elementary School in Palo Alto, administrators notified the campus community by email, and then met with parents, staff and students Monday.

They broke the sad news about the popular 43-year-old teacher, and told them he was being tested for meningococcal disease, or meningitis. Health officials were also at the meeting. They told parents it is very difficult to pass meningitis from person to person - and not likely that anyone else caught it. But as a precaution, officials offered antibiotics to families of those in Mr. Flath's fifth grade class. Most took them.

The health department told the school community that symptoms of meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights and mental confusion.        

Some parents said they're thankful for the information, but shocked at the loss of a dear teacher.

In a letter to parents, the principal said he was an uplifting, vibrant teacher who will be missed. Mr. Flath taught school since 1994.

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