Mentone Elementary Student Recovering From Viral Meningitis
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
MENTONE - A student at Mentone Elementary School has been diagnosed with viral meningitis.
Viral meningitis is a relatively common but rarely serious infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.Bacterial meningitis, which the student does not have, is very serious and can result in brain damage or even death.
According to a press release provided by Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. Superintendent Brett Boggs Tuesday afternoon, the child currently is hospitalized and receiving treatment for dehydration resulting from the illness.
The child would not have had to go to the hospital except for the child experienced a lot of vomiting from the viral meningitis, causing dehydration, Boggs said in a telephone interview Tuesday.
He said they do not know how or where the child came into contact with the virus. The child could have picked up the virus wherever people gather, Boggs said.
The child was at school Friday, the first day of school at Mentone. The child then was hospitalized over the weekend, and the school nurse was notified of the child's illness Monday, only the second day of school.
"There is potential for exposure, that is why we're trying to get the information out," said Boggs.
According to the press release, "Because of the alarm that often accompanies the mention of any type of meningitis in the school setting and the potential of exposure of students to the virus, Mentone Elementary School (Tuesday) sent home with all students a letter to parents and guardians informing them of the situation and providing them with accurate information. The letter is also accompanied by detailed information about viral meningitis."
The symptoms of viral meningitis generally appear within one week of exposure and include fever, headache, stiff neck and tiredness. A rash, sore throat and vomiting also can occur.
Parents and guardians have been encouraged to seek medical treatment if their child becomes ill with any combination of these symptoms that persist for a day or two. Parents also have been informed that proper hand washing with soap and warm water - especially after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing - helps prevent the spread of the virus.
Boggs said Valley Schools has already been doing the cleaning procedures necessary to help fight off infections within the schools prior to the start of this school year.
Questions about viral meningitis may be directed to Mentone Elementary School Nurse Lora Swanson at 574-353-7465, Ext. 516, or Mentone Elementary School Principal Katie Miller at 574-353-7465, Ext. 513.
