Meningitis at North Montgomery

CRAWFORDSVILLE -  Parents in the North Montgomery School Corporation are notifying parents there is a case of bacterial meningitis at Northridge Middle School.

  The last exposure to the person was Monday.   North Montgomery School Corporation Superintendent Robert Brower said the school has taken steps to disinfect all areas of exposure. "We got word of this on Wednesday and the case was confirmed today (Friday)," said Brower. "I don't know of any other complaints of symptoms. We sent a letter to parents because this  is a series matter. Meningitis can be fatal." Brower said he could not say if the case involved a student, teacher or staff member.

  The Montgomery County Health Department has identified individuals who have had close contact with the infected person and is making recommendations on who should have antibiotics to prevent infection. Brower said the infected person with meningitis is responding well to treatment.
 
 The Montgomery County Health Department sent a letter a letter home to parents about the situation. "The disease generally affects people in two ways: meningitis (an inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord) or bloodstream infection (that ususally leads to bleeding under the skin)."

"The case is under medical supervision and can no longer spread the disease. The disease is not spread by simply being in the same room as the infected person. To be infected, a person normally has to be in contact with the infected person's saliva."

Parents with questions are encourage to contact their health provider.