RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2005
New Texas legislation (Senate Bill 31) requires school districts to provide information relating to bacterial meningitis to students and parents each school year. AT THIS TIME, THERE ARE NO REPORTED CASES OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS WITHIN MESQUITE ISD. If a case of bacterial meningitis does occur, all parents, students and employees will be notified immediately.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord - also called the meninges. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria. Viral meningitis is common, and most people who contract the disease recover fully. Parasitic and fungal meningitis are very rare. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and may involve complicated and extensive treatment. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people who contract bacterial meningitis make a complete recovery; however, the disease can be fatal or cause permanent disabilities, even with prompt treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms. If you suspect you or your child may have bacterial meningitis, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of meningitis include:
• Severe headache
• High temperature
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Neck stiffness, joint pains
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Rash of tiny red-purple spots or bruises caused by bleeding under the skin.
How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Bacterial meningitis is contagious, but it is not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where an infected person has been. The germs are spread when people exchange saliva - such as by kissing or sharing drinking containers or utensils. Few people exposed to the germ will actually develop meningitis; instead most people become carriers of the germ or days, weeks or even months. The risk of getting bacterial meningitis is about 2.4 cases per 100,000 population per year. The highest risk group for the most serious form of the disease, meningococcal meningitis, is among children 2 to 18 years old. Effective vaccines against bacterial meningitis are available and are recommended both for young children and adults over 64. Some groups also recommend vaccination for college students, particularly freshman living in dorms or residence halls.
How can I find out more?
More details about bacterial meningitis can be found in the downloadable information sheet from the Texas Education Agency (PDF). You may also contact your school nurse or family doctor, and the following web sites may also be helpful: Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov and Texas Department of Health at www.tdh.state.tx.us. |
