Health officials: Bloomington student may have potentially deadly infectious disease

Monroe County health officials are investigating whether a Rogers Elementary School student has contracted meningitis — a potentially deadly infectious disease.

Monroe County Health Department said in a news release Friday evening the people and parents of children considered close contacts are being notified of the potential exposure.

“Close contacts are recommended to receive prophylactic antibiotics within 24 hours of a confirmed diagnosis to prevent possible infections,” the department said.

People who are notified should contact their doctor right away “and let them know that you/your child is considered a close contact to a suspected case of meningitis, and that (it) is recommended that prophylactic medication be given right away,” the department said.

The local health department said it has contacted Riley Physicians for Children, who can “help with prescriptions, if able, even after hours.”

Symptoms of meningitis may include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck or neck pain, nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Symptoms of septicemia — a blood stream infection — may include fever and chills; fatigue; vomiting; cold hands and feet; severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen (belly); rapid breathing; diarrhea; and sometimes a rash.

The department urged people to seek immediate medical attention if they or their children experience those symptoms.

What is meningitis? How does it spread? How can it be prevented?

Meningitis is an inflammation/swelling of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency said bacterial meningitis can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention.

Despite vaccines, meningococcal disease remains “devastating,” according to an examination published by the American Academy of Neurology. The disease affects about 2,600 patients in the U.S. each year, with a mortality rate of 10% to 15%.

Vaccines are available to help protect against some kinds of bacterial meningitis, the CDC said.

Bacterial meningitis generally spreads from one person to another. Certain germs can spread through food.

Meningitis caused by viruses is serious but often less severe than bacterial meningitis, according to the CDC. People with normal immune systems who get viral meningitis usually get better on their own. Vaccines prevent some kinds of viral meningitis. Even if people spread viral meningitis to another person, most people infected with the viruses will not develop meningitis, the agency said.

The CDC said meningitis in rare cases also can be caused by parasites, ameba and fungi.

The local health department said for people who had casual contact, “as would occur in most school-related activities, the risk of infection is very low.” The department does not recommend preventive antibiotics for casual contact with infected people.

“Parents who wish to protect their child from meningitis should make sure their child is up to date on all vaccinations, including the vaccines preventing Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, and meningococcal disease,” the department said.

For more information, the department said people can contact the Monroe County Public Health Clinic at 812-353-3244. However, a recording at that number indicates the clinic is open only from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Boris Ladwig can be reached at [email protected].