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NORTH MANCHESTER - Manchester High School confirmed today that reports of a student infected with bacterial meningitis, the same illness that killed Jared Airgood in August, are correct.
The boy, who the high school declined to name, is in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
The boy reportedly tested positive for the disease after suffering from flu-like symptoms for approximately one week. He was diagnosed at Wabash County Hospital and transported to Lutheran over the weekend, where he remains.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, increased sensitivity to light, seizures, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may develop suddenly or accumulate over time.
If treated by antibiotics immediately, 95 percent of meningitis victims recover. When treatment is not obtained until later stages of the disease, death or irreparable brain damage occur in 15 percent of cases.
Manchester High School principal Nancy Alspaugh said the school has taken steps to ensure all students' safety. Students, parents and school staffers in close contact with the boy were notified immediately, and most have received treatment from family physicians already.
This is Manchester High School's second case of bacterial meningitis since August. Jared Airgood, 17, died Aug. 7 at Lutheran Hospital from the disease.
