Dear Parents or Guardians, Teachers and Principals;
A Chippewa Hills High School student was recently diagnosed with meningitis. The preliminary report to District #10 Health Department indicates that the type of meningitis is NOT the kind that requires prophylactic antibiotics for the close contacts of the patient with meningitis. The final report will be available in 24 hours. As of today, we are not recommending prophylaxis, pending the final report. The most serious type of bacterial meningitis is preventable with a vaccination for teens and high risk individuals. Talk to your medical provider for information. Ways to prevent infections are frequent hand washing, staying healthy with good health habits and not sharing food, drink and personal items with others.
The symptoms of meningitis in adults and teens are:
Common in older children and adults
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Sleepiness or trouble waking up
- Nausea, vomiting
- Lack of appetite
Dr. James Wilson
Medical Director
District #10 Health Department
