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HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Phone 603-437-5218 Fax 437-5207
Mrs. A. M. Davis, M.S., R.N., C.S., A.R.N.P. Head Nurse
Mrs. D. Moltenbrey, R.N., B.S.N., N.C.S.N. School Nurse
Mrs. L. S. Roy, R.N. School
Nurse
Mrs. L. L. Sical, R.N School Nurse
Dear students, parents,
and staff members:
There has been
considerable media coverage at times related to cases of meningitis in NH.
There are usually 2600 cases reported annually throughout the
Meningitis is an
inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord tissue due to an infection of
cerebrospinal fluid. The seriousness and risk of meningitis transmission to
other individuals depends on the type of meningitis, the causative organism,
and the length and closeness of contact with the infected individual. Symptoms
develop in 1-10 days (usually less than 4 days).
Viral meningitis, though
very serious, does not usually require isolation measures. Bacterial
meningitis, also very serious and usually more contagious, is more likely to
require identification and treatment of close contacts. It is important to
remember that the causative agent (virus or bacterium) will determine whether
isolation and/or preventative prophylaxis measures will be required. There are
now several available vaccines that will prevent many types of meningitis.
Meningitis immunization is particularly recommended for adolescents and college
students. Please discuss this with you medical care provider.
Meningitis is spread from
person to person in close physical contact: kissing, sharing eating
utensils/drinking cups, Chapsticks, lip gloss, soda
cans, water bottles, mouth guards, sexual contact, etc. Preventive treatment
may be recommended for those individuals as wells as other individuals who may
have prolonged close contact, such as family members, dorm mates, etc. The
germs that cause meningitis are normally present in the saliva and nasal
secretions of many healthy individuals. The disease occurs when the body’s
immune system is compromised or normal defenses are overcome. Proper and
frequent hand washing, good nutrition, getting plenty of rest-most individuals
need 7-9 hours of sleep each night—reducing stress whenever possible, getting
plenty of fluids, etc. all help to keep the immune system healthy and to resist
disease and infections.
Although school contact
is generally not considered high risk for transmission in most cases, it is
important to be alert for and to seek medical care for the following symptoms:
sudden onset of high fever, headache, stiff neck, and other unusual symptoms.
Older children and adults may complain of severe headache, neck pain, and neck
stiffness. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, lethargy (i.e. tiredness,
sluggishness), nausea, vomiting, confusion, irritability, light sensitivity,
and lack of appetite. A rash that looks like fine pin pricks, freckles, or purple
splotches is also sometimes noted. It is extremely important to seek medical
intervention-from
your physician or the local Emergency Room-without
delay if meningitis is suspected. Meningitis can be
extremely serious. It may also be fatal if not treated early, therefore early
treatment is vital.
If meningitis is
diagnosed early and treated promptly, most people make a full recovery. The
following CDC web sites are good resources for additional information and
includes signs and symptoms, prevention, vaccine information
, etc.
http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/BCDCS/meningitis.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm
Please feel free to
contact this office if you have general questions. If you have any specific
questions, please contact your medical provider or the Communicable Disease
Epidemiology Program at 1-800-852-3345, extension 4496.
(Mrs.) A. M. Davis, M.S., R.N., C.S., A.R.N.P.
Head
Nurse,