BLOOMINGTON – The Monroe County Health Department is investigating a possible case of meningitis in a Rogers Elementary student.
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes around a person’s spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection and can be serious. Bacteria that can cause meningitis may also cause serious bloodstream infections (septicemia). Some specific types of bacterial meningitis or septicemia require the use of antibiotics to protect very close contacts from infection.
People and parents of children considered close contacts are being notified of the potential exposure. Close contacts are recommended to receive prophylactic antibiotics within 24 hours of a confirmed diagnosis to prevent possible infections.
If notified, please contact your doctor right away and let them know that you/your child is considered a close contact to a suspected case of meningitis, and that is recommended that prophylactic medication be given right away. Riley Physicians for Children has been informed and can help with prescriptions, if able, even after hours.
For all other persons, including those who had casual contact as would occur in most school-related activities, the risk of infection is very low. Preventive antibiotics are not recommended for casual contacts of infected persons.
Symptoms of meningitis may include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck or neck pain, nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Symptoms of septicemia may include fever and chills; fatigue; vomiting; cold hands and feet; severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen (belly); rapid breathing; diarrhea; and sometimes a rash. Seek medical care immediately if your child or any member of your family experiences these symptoms.
Parents who wish to protect their child from meningitis should make sure their child is up to date on all vaccinations, including the vaccines preventing Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, and meningococcal disease. The Hib and pneumococcal vaccines are normally given with other infant vaccines before age two. Two doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine are recommended for all adolescents, with the first dose at age 11 to 12 years and the second dose at age 16 years. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions about these vaccines.
For more information, please contact the Monroe County Public Health Clinic at 812-353-3244.
