Bartlett High student diagnosed with meningitis

A Bartlett High School student who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis is still hospitalized.

"We learned that a female student was admitted to the hospital last Friday evening," Tony Sanders, the district's chief communications officer, said Thursday.

The student had not been released as of Thursday, according to Bartlett school nurse Cindy Maloney.

"She's stable and she's getting treatment," she said.

A notification letter was sent home to parents Tuesday.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, it causes brain damage or death. Bacterial meningitis is generally more serious than viral meningitis.

Common symptoms include fever, severe headaches, drowsiness or confusion, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting.

Bacterial meningitis is spread by direct or close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person. Bacteria is not spread by casual contact.

"Based on the current situation, there is no recommendation for preventive treatment of classmates, teachers, etc…," the letter said.

Students are being advised to wash their hands often with warm, soapy water, refrain from sharing cups or eating utensils, and avoid contact with anyone with symptoms.

Bartlett High School maintains a cleanliness routine of wiping down doorknobs and athletic mats several times each day, Maloney said. "We've also instructed our staff what they can do in the classroom -- wiping down desks, phones and using antibacterial hand sanitizers if they can't get to water."

Shaun Nelson, an epidemiologist for the DuPage County Health Department, said this is the first case of bacterial meningitis to be found in a school "since at least 2005."

The Peotone student diagnosed two weeks ago with meningitis had the viral form.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is generally more serious. Viral meningitis is more common and tends to occur in winter epidemics. Bacterial meningitis may cause brain damage or death.

Symptoms

• Sudden high fever • Headache/stiff neck • Red rash • Cold hands and feet • Dislike of bright lights • Drowsiness

How it's transmitted

• Kissing • Sneezing in someone's face • Sharing glasses, toothbrushes

More information

• Illinois Department of Public Health: www.idph.state.il.us

• Meningitis Foundation of America: www.mus.org