Guthrie student diagnosed with meningitis; parents advised to stay alert

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Guthrie Public Schools were informed Thursday morning that one of their students have been diagnosed with meningitis. Due to privacy concerns, nothing further can be released about the student or the student’s condition at this time. Guthrie News Page has learned the student is a high school student.

meningitisIn a letter released by Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson, he states, “public health officials have informed us that their investigation does not suggest the child’s illness is an infectious disease that puts the general public, including students, teachers, and other employees at risk.

Simpson says a letter will be sent home with each student on Thursday afternoon.

Guthrie News Page has learned through multiple sources that the student has been currently diagnosed with the viral meningitis, but tests are still ongoing. According to WebMD and public health officials, viral meningitis tends to be less severe than bacterial, and most people recover completely.

The child’s mother spoke with Guthrie News Page.

“(Her child) is currently being medicated for bacterial because it takes about two days for primary test results to determine viral from bacterial. (The child) is sleeping but responsive.”

She goes on to say, “facts are (the child) had no symptoms before school (but) by second hour (had) headache, sore neck and vomiting with fever. Was at (the) doctor as soon as I got home from work then (the) er then to children’s hospital. (The child) is pretty sick and will only wake up for a few seconds at a time. Keep (the child) in your prayers.”

Simpson explains in the letter that although the risk of infection from other students is quite low, parents are advised to be alert for signs of meningitis.

“The symptoms of meningitis may include some of the following: fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and being disoriented or confused. If your child develops some of these symptoms, please contact your child’s health care provider immediately.”

According to public health officials, meningitis is a rare disease that can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. It is spread by contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person, and are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

Hand hygiene is the single most important action to prevent the spread of infections to others and yourself. It is always advised to practice good hygiene habits, such as covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, throwing away used tissues, washing hands often, and not sharing personal items.

If you have any further questions, you’re urged to contact the Logan County Health Department at 405-282-3485.

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