Health scare at Arlington schools
Published on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 by Beckye RandallRead More Local News
Two Arlington students were hospitalized last week with bacterial meningitis, an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal column.
The two students, who are friends, were reported to be in stable condition by the Snohomish Health District. They were being treated at Cascade Valley Hospital.
One of the affected students, who is 17, attends Arlington High School. The other is a 16-year-old Stillaguamish Valley School student.
Bacterial meningitis is only spread by close contact, which may include sharing eating utensils or drinks. Unprotected sneezes may also scatter the disease.
"This is a good reminder that kids should not share their drinks with others," said school district spokesperson Misti Gilman. "We've had reports of kids sharing gum with others. That's how diseases are spread."
So far no other suspected cases have been reported. However, the health district reported that some close contacts of the students have been given antibiotics as a precaution.
Although rare, the disease can be fatal. Meningitis can also cause long-term health problems including brain damage, loss of hearing or the impairment of legs or arms. Cases most often develop in late winter and early spring.
Suzanne Pate, spokeswoman for the Snohomish Health District, reported that the county typically sees four to five cases of bacterial meningitis a year, with 30 to 60 cases reported statewide.
The Arlington School District notified parents of the health concern immediately, and has continued to communicate updates as appropriate. A letter from the health district is posted on Arlington High School's Web site, and Gilman encouraged families without Internet access to call the school district for information.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis are high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and discomfort caused by exposure to bright light. A blotchy pink rash is sometimes evident as well.
Although not required for school age children, a vaccine for meningitis, safe for children ages 11 and up, is available at area clinics and the Snohomish Health District.
The two students, who are friends, were reported to be in stable condition by the Snohomish Health District. They were being treated at Cascade Valley Hospital.
One of the affected students, who is 17, attends Arlington High School. The other is a 16-year-old Stillaguamish Valley School student.
Bacterial meningitis is only spread by close contact, which may include sharing eating utensils or drinks. Unprotected sneezes may also scatter the disease.
"This is a good reminder that kids should not share their drinks with others," said school district spokesperson Misti Gilman. "We've had reports of kids sharing gum with others. That's how diseases are spread."
So far no other suspected cases have been reported. However, the health district reported that some close contacts of the students have been given antibiotics as a precaution.
Although rare, the disease can be fatal. Meningitis can also cause long-term health problems including brain damage, loss of hearing or the impairment of legs or arms. Cases most often develop in late winter and early spring.
Suzanne Pate, spokeswoman for the Snohomish Health District, reported that the county typically sees four to five cases of bacterial meningitis a year, with 30 to 60 cases reported statewide.
The Arlington School District notified parents of the health concern immediately, and has continued to communicate updates as appropriate. A letter from the health district is posted on Arlington High School's Web site, and Gilman encouraged families without Internet access to call the school district for information.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis are high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and discomfort caused by exposure to bright light. A blotchy pink rash is sometimes evident as well.
Although not required for school age children, a vaccine for meningitis, safe for children ages 11 and up, is available at area clinics and the Snohomish Health District.
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