Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011123703_meningitis19m.html
Arlington school district sends out meningitis warning
Two students at different Arlington district high schools were hospitalized this week with suspected cases of bacterial meningitis, said health officials, who called the risk to others "very low."
By Seattle Times staff
Two students at different Arlington district high schools were hospitalized this week with suspected cases of bacterial meningitis, said health officials, who called the risk to others "very low."
The students, who are friends, were in stable condition at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington.
One, a 17-year-old at Arlington High School, attended school during part of the time when he was contagious, according to a letter from the Snohomish Health District to school students, parents and staff.
The second student was apparently a 16-year-old girl who attends Stillaguamish Valley School.
Officially called meningococcal meningitis, the rare but potentially fatal disease is spread by close contact such as kissing, sharing food or being together in close spaces for an extended period of time.
Students at Arlington High could have been exposed Feb. 5, 8-10 or 12, according to the letter.
Authorities believe they have identified all the people who may have been in close contact with the 17-year-old and given them antibiotics, according to the letter.
There are typically 75 to 125 cases of bacterial meningitis in Washington each year, according to the Department of Health.
Arlington school district sends out meningitis warning
Two students at different Arlington district high schools were hospitalized this week with suspected cases of bacterial meningitis, said health officials, who called the risk to others "very low."
By Seattle Times staff
Two students at different Arlington district high schools were hospitalized this week with suspected cases of bacterial meningitis, said health officials, who called the risk to others "very low."
The students, who are friends, were in stable condition at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington.
One, a 17-year-old at Arlington High School, attended school during part of the time when he was contagious, according to a letter from the Snohomish Health District to school students, parents and staff.
The second student was apparently a 16-year-old girl who attends Stillaguamish Valley School.
Officially called meningococcal meningitis, the rare but potentially fatal disease is spread by close contact such as kissing, sharing food or being together in close spaces for an extended period of time.
Students at Arlington High could have been exposed Feb. 5, 8-10 or 12, according to the letter.
Authorities believe they have identified all the people who may have been in close contact with the 17-year-old and given them antibiotics, according to the letter.
There are typically 75 to 125 cases of bacterial meningitis in Washington each year, according to the Department of Health.