Health Department Investigating Probable Case of Bacterial Meningitis

A student who attends the Ehrhart School in Beaumont is being treated in Houston for a probable case of bacterial meningitis, according to Sherry Ulmer, clinical nurse manager with the Beaumont Health Department.

Ulmer says the elementary school age girl went to school Monday, became sick Tuesday and was hospitalized Wednesday.

Ulmer says the bacterial meningitis case is probable but hasn't been confirmed. Test results should be available Friday.

School superintendent Lynn Hogg tells KFDM News classes are being held as usual. The school has sent notices to parents, letting them know about the probable case of bacterial meningitis.

Ulmer says no other students have developed symptoms of the illness. She says parents have been advised to take their children to their health care provider to be checked. In addition, they're advised to take antibiotics to help protect them from the illness.

Ulmer says bacterial meningitis is more severe than viral meningitis. It can be spread through close contact such as coughing or kissing, but not casual contact. Ulmer says it usually takes more than being in the same room with an infected student to spread the illness.

Ulmer says in its advanced form, bacterial meningitis can cause hearing loss, brain damage and death.

Ulmer says symptoms of bacterial meningitis include:

*Sudden onset of fever (usually 102 or above).

*Rash on the trunk of the body.

*Stiff neck.

Ulmer says anyone who develops those symptoms should immediately see a doctor or go to an emergency room and avoid going to school.

She says you can help avoid contracting bacterial meningitis through proper hygiene, including washing your hands often and coughing into your sleeve and not into the air.