FORT McCOY - Fort McCoy officials have released the lab test results for the soldier who died August 13. The results on 26-year-old Sgt. Jonathan M. Forde are positive for bacterial meningitis. Autopsy results are still pending.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, bacterial meningitis is a rare disease, affecting approximately 2,500 individuals in the United States each year. The bacteria is commonly found in the nose and throat without causing disease, and most people exposed do not become ill.

All members of Forde’s unit have received preventive antibiotics. All soldiers and civilians at Fort McCoy are being closely monitored for any signs or symptoms consistent with meningitis, and local health facilities are doing the same. Fort McCoy medical personnel continue to work closely with local and state public health officials.