Meningitis Case Identified in Lafayette High Community

By Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, October 20, 2011

An individual at Lafayette High School has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Williamsburg-James City County Spokesman Greg Davy said he could not disclose the identity of the individual or whether he or she is a student or employee.

Peninsula Health District Director David Trump said the Peninsula Health Department is working closely with Williamsburg-James City County school administration to identify any individuals who might have had close contact with the infected person. He wrote a letter to students and parents saying if they received the letter, they have not been identified as close contacts of the infected person.

Bacterial meningitis is spread by direct contact with the infected person, who carries the organism in his or her nose and throat. The infection can spread when the ill person coughs or sneezes in someone’s face, by kissing or by sharing personal items, such as eating utensils, cups, lip balm or lipstick. The disease can also be transmitted during face-to-face conversations that occur in a confined space for a sustained period of time. A student would not be considered “at risk” if their interaction with the ill person was confined to passing in the hallway or sitting in the same classroom.

Symptoms of meningitis include fever and chills, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to bright light and possibly a rash. It can take from two to 10 days to develop from the time of the exposure to the first symptoms. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care from a regular healthcare provider.

To prevent the spread of meningitis, Trump recommended not sharing food, drinks, personal care products, cigarettes or other items. He also said it’s important to cover mouths when coughing or sneezing. The bacteria does not survive on environmental surfaces for more than a few minutes, he said.

Risk of infection can be reduced by good hygiene. The Peninsula Health District advises washing hands thoroughly and/or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

People who have been in close contact with someone infected with meningitis may need to receive antibiotics. Close contacts should watch for illness for 10 days after their last contact with the ill person, even if they take antibiotics.

A vaccine is available to protect against certain strains of the bacteria. Vaccination is currently recommended for children at their routine preadolescent visit (11-12 years of age), as well as unvaccinated adolescents entering high school. It is also recommended for military recruits, college freshman and persons with certain health conditions, such as a damaged spleen.

For more information about meningitis, contact the Peninsula Health District’s communicable disease control staff at (757) 594-7427.