The latest MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) from the CDC has a summary of a meningitis outbreak in Oklahoma and how public health authorities responded: "Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease Associated with an Elementary School - Oklahoma, March 2010." MMWR reports have a consistent style that I think is helpful for this sort of notice: they're short with tight editing and little superfluous information. They also often present harrying situations that are made more disturbing by the clinical detachment. In this case:
Five cases of meningococcal disease (including one probable case) were identified among four elementary school students and one high school student. Two students died; two recovered fully, and one survivor required amputation of all four limbs and facial reconstruction.
They also often include a helpful summary answering three questions: 1) What is already known on this topic? 2) What is added by this report? and 3) What are the implications for public health practice? I think some other publications (especially in the social sciences) would benefit from this helpful little formatting addition.