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Meningitis case reported at Fonda-Fultonville High School
Student being treated; district not worried
Friday, October 10, 2008
FONDA — Fonda-Fultonville school administrators said Thursday that a high school freshman has been diagnosed with viral meningitis, but they are confident that the illness will not spread. Superintendent James Hoffman said the district learned of the case Thursday morning after the boy was hospitalized at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. He said the school then alerted the Montgomery County Health Department, which was already aware of the diagnosis. “Everybody seems to be OK,” he said. Hoffman said the viral strain of the disease is the less serious of the two types, not nearly as much of a public health threat as bacterial meningitis, which can spread rapidly through communities. “It’s not a dangerous situation for the school or the community,” he said. But to be safe, Hoffman said, the district sent letters home with students to avoid confusion. He said the letter includes simple precautions for students and parents to take so they can minimize the chance of an infection. Viral meningitis is a serious but rarely fatal illness for individuals with normal immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include mild fever, headaches, stiffness and fatigue. The virus is often spread through respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus. Infection usually occurs as a result of direct contact with an infected person. Viral meningitis is a fairly common disease, affecting up to 700 people each year in New York. Most patients afflicted with the virus recover fully within two weeks. Hoffman said the Fonda-Fultonville student appeared to be recovering. He said the Health Department assured the school that it wouldn’t need to take any additional preventive measures, aside from alerting parents and students.
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December 2, 2008
3:15 p.m. [ Suggest removal ]
The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at a family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and www.musa.org
Thank you,
Meningitis Foundation of America
P O Box 83602
Phoenix, AZ 85071
www.musa.org