A middle school student in Hernando County has become infected with Bacterial Meningitis. Parents are asked to be vigilant for any signs of infection.
High fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis in anyone over the age of 2 years. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. In newborns and small infants, the classic symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness may be absent or difficult to detect, and the infant may only appear slow or inactive, or be irritable, have vomiting, or be feeding poorly. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures.
According to new reports the principal of the middle school was notified Thursday night.
The child is being treated for Neisseria meningitis, and family members and other close personal contacts have been given preventative medication so they don’t become ill, Hernando County Health Department spokeswoman Ann-Gayl Ellis said.
The school district has notified parents of West Hernando students through phone calls and letters, said Jim Knight, director of student services. The information has also been posted on the school’s Web site.
Source: CDC, Hernando Today
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