Student treated for meningitis recovering at home

A Guthrie High School student, who was treated for viral meningitis last week, is now home resting. The student’s mother says her child is not contagious, but is not 100 percent as the child recovers at home.

Guthrie Public Schools was informed on Oct. 3 from the Logan County Health Department that one of their students had been diagnosed with meningitis. The child was quickly taken to Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City.

After spending three days in the hospital, the student was discharged on Saturday evening, but continues to have a PICC Line – similar to a standard IV – to get the needed medicine with the assistance of home health care.

According to the mother, a final diagnosis was not available after the culture tests taken proved to be inconclusive due to the fact her child was treated with antibiotics three weeks ago for an unrelated illness.

“Thank you all for prayers and support these past few days have been unbelievable,” the mother said.

The student will remain at home for the week, but has continued to do school work while recovering.

The child showed no symptoms before school, but by second hour had a headache, sore neck and vomiting with fever.

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.