On Friday, April 26, a student at a Bryan ISD Disciplinary Alternative Educational Program became ill with bacterial meningitis. Test results on the student indicate the causative organism is a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis.
The Brazos County Health District and Bryan ISD are collaborating to coordinate the investigation of the disease occurrence and the preventive treatment of persons who may have been exposed to the student.
Meningitis caused by N. meningitidis is contagious. The bacteria are spread during close contact through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing; sharing food utensils, food, drinks, gum, and cigarettes; or kissing).
People in the same household, or anyone with direct contact with a patient's oral secretions (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend) would be considered at increased risk of acquiring the infection. People who qualify as close contacts of a person with an infection caused by N. meningitidis should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting the disease.
Common symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include rash, nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness.
Anyone who has questions about this illness or the above information may call the Brazos County Health District at (979) 361-4440, call their private physician, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
