Below is the letter sent out from Negley Elementary School Principal Charla Salmeron earlier today regarding a positive case of what has now been confirmed as viral meningitis.
May 28, 2015
Dear Parents,
We have been working closely with the Health Department regarding the Meningitis case at Negley Elementary and are pleased to report lab results now confirm that the case is a viral form of meningitis and not bacterial. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, and most people usually get better on their own (without treatment). However, infants younger than 1 month old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
Antibiotics are NOT recommended for viral meningitis. Good hand washing and covering cough/sneeze with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve (not hands) are the best ways to prevent the spread of viral meningitis.
Symptoms of viral meningitis are the similar and may include fever, headache, irritability, stiff neck or neck pain, nausea and/or vomiting, lack of energy, and sensitivity to bright light. Parents should be aware of the symptoms of viral meningitis through the weekend as it typically takes 3-6 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. If your child has symptoms and a fever, they should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours. In most cases there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis and most people completely recover in 7-10 days.
Some vaccinations can protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, and influenza, which can lead to viral meningitis.
If you have additional questions please contact the Negley school nurse, Dodie Hollowell, at 512-268-8501 ext. 7004 or Director of Student Health Services, Macie Walker, at 512-268-8977.
If you would like to know more information about viral meningitis or vaccinations please use the following links:
Hays County Health Department Information:
[ http://www.co.hays.tx.us/epidemiology-and-disease-surveillance.aspx ]http://www.co.hays.tx.us/epidemiology-and-disease-surveillance.aspx
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Viral Meningitis Information:
[ http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/viral.html ]http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/viral.html
State of Texas Meningitis Information:
[ https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/disease/Aseptic-Meningitis/ ]https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/disease/Aseptic-Meningitis/
State of Texas Immunizations Information:
[ https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/ ]https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/
CDC Immunizations Information:
[ http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ ]http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
Please also feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Charla Salmeron
Principal
