Meningitis: Frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about meningitis.
NorthJersey.com
A fourth-grade student at Burns Science and Technology Charter School in Oak Hill died of meningitis, according to emails sent to school parents and news reports.
“This is a sad day for the students, faculty and staff members of Burns Science and Technology,” the email stated. ”Our thoughts and sympathies are with their family and friends.”
The school sent an initial email Wednesday telling parents that a fourth-grader died, but that email didn’t list the cause of death. The same day, the school sent an email inviting students and families to International Night which took place Thursday evening.
The school sent an email Thursday warning parents that their children may have been exposed to meningitis, but it’s unclear whether that email was sent before or after International Night.
“Dear families, We apologize for this late message. After reporting to the health department, CDC and district we are informing you that your child may have been exposed to Meningitis,” the email says. “We are following all mandated protocols and the district is personally contacting any families whose students were in close contact.
“We feel there is no harm in taking extra precautions and ask you to consider reaching out to your health care professional on this matter.”
Volusia County Schools sent its crisis management team to the school this week to offer support to students and staff. Danielle Johnson, district spokeswoman, referred questions about the death to the school.
In the email, the school said parents could contact administration with concerns or questions but asked parents not to contact teachers about the death “as they are also grieving at this time.”
The News-Journal has reached out to board members of the school, the school’s principal and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County for more information.
So far only board member Jonathon Glugover has commented on the issue.
“We are fortunate to have an outstanding administration at Burns. I am not making any further statement,” he said in an email to The News-Journal.
What is meningitis?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges.”
Most cases in the United States come from a viral infection, but other causes include bacteria, parasites and fungi. Symptoms include headache, fever and a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, nausea, irritability, vomiting, lack of appetite or thirst, and lethargy, among others.
“Some cases of meningitis improve without treatment in a few weeks,” according to the CDC. “Others can cause death and require emergency antibiotic treatment.”
People should seek medical care immediately if they develop meningitis symptoms such as fever, severe headache that doesn’t go away, confusion, vomiting or a stiff neck.
People with viral meningitis can spread the viruses to others, but most people who get infected with the viruses won’t develop meningitis, according to the CDC.
Bacterial meningitis is more serious and can “lead to brain damage, paralysis or stroke. In some cases, it can be fatal,” according to Johns Hopkins.
