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Source: http://www.tallahassee.com/article/...rt-responds-quicly-to-viral-meningitis-report
Update: Gretchen Everhart responds quicly to viral meningitis report
By Gerald Ensley ? Democrat Senior Writer ? November 10, 2009
Update 4:45 p.m.
A suspected case of viral meningitis was reported to parents Tuesday at Gretchen Everhart School -- and the school got a thorough cleaning.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is the less severe form of the illness: Patients do not require treatment and recover completely in seven to 10 days.
Bacterial meningitis is a severe illness, which can result in brain damage, learning disability, hearing loss or death.
Chris Petley, communications manager for Leon County Schools, said it is the first reported case of viral meningitis in county schools in at least a year. But because it is not considered serious, statistics are not reported to the Leon County Health Department.
?It can be contagious, but it is unlikely another person associated with this case will develop viral meningitis,? said Marjorie Kirsch, Leon County Health Department medical director.
Everhart principal Jane Floyd Bullen sent an e-mail to parents of the 250 students at Everhart on Tuesday afternoon, notifying them of the suspected case. She listed the symptoms of the illness -- fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting -- and urged parents whose children show such symptoms to contact their health care providers.
The county hired a janitorial service to disinfect the school. By late afternoon, workers had cleaned every doorknob, desk, computer and air coil.
County schools are closed Wednesday for Veterans Day but will re-open Thursday.
?A lot of our principals like to make sure parents know as much as possible,? Petley said of Bullen?s memo.
?We gave the school a proper wipe-down so it is prepared and safe (for students) to come back to school Thursday.?
Previous report
A letter on viral meningitis from Principal Jane Floyd Bullen of Gretchen Everhart:
A suspected case of viral meningitis was reported at Everhart today. Since it is one of our goals to keep the lines of communication open with the Everhart family, I wanted to notify you as soon as possible. This illness should not be confused with the more serious bacterial meningitis.
Signs and symptoms of viral meningitis generally appear within one week of exposure, and the illness usually lasts for no more than ten days. Symptoms of the illness may include:
? Fever
? Headache
? Stiff neck
? Red rash
? Drowsiness
? Nausea and vomiting
If you or your child has any of these symptoms, it will be important for you to call your health care provider for guidance.
We have had no additional reports of this illness. However, in an abundance of caution, we have taken extra steps to sanitize the schools and buses. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jane Floyd Bullen
Principal
Update: Gretchen Everhart responds quicly to viral meningitis report
By Gerald Ensley ? Democrat Senior Writer ? November 10, 2009
Update 4:45 p.m.
A suspected case of viral meningitis was reported to parents Tuesday at Gretchen Everhart School -- and the school got a thorough cleaning.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is the less severe form of the illness: Patients do not require treatment and recover completely in seven to 10 days.
Bacterial meningitis is a severe illness, which can result in brain damage, learning disability, hearing loss or death.
Chris Petley, communications manager for Leon County Schools, said it is the first reported case of viral meningitis in county schools in at least a year. But because it is not considered serious, statistics are not reported to the Leon County Health Department.
?It can be contagious, but it is unlikely another person associated with this case will develop viral meningitis,? said Marjorie Kirsch, Leon County Health Department medical director.
Everhart principal Jane Floyd Bullen sent an e-mail to parents of the 250 students at Everhart on Tuesday afternoon, notifying them of the suspected case. She listed the symptoms of the illness -- fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting -- and urged parents whose children show such symptoms to contact their health care providers.
The county hired a janitorial service to disinfect the school. By late afternoon, workers had cleaned every doorknob, desk, computer and air coil.
County schools are closed Wednesday for Veterans Day but will re-open Thursday.
?A lot of our principals like to make sure parents know as much as possible,? Petley said of Bullen?s memo.
?We gave the school a proper wipe-down so it is prepared and safe (for students) to come back to school Thursday.?
Previous report
A letter on viral meningitis from Principal Jane Floyd Bullen of Gretchen Everhart:
A suspected case of viral meningitis was reported at Everhart today. Since it is one of our goals to keep the lines of communication open with the Everhart family, I wanted to notify you as soon as possible. This illness should not be confused with the more serious bacterial meningitis.
Signs and symptoms of viral meningitis generally appear within one week of exposure, and the illness usually lasts for no more than ten days. Symptoms of the illness may include:
? Fever
? Headache
? Stiff neck
? Red rash
? Drowsiness
? Nausea and vomiting
If you or your child has any of these symptoms, it will be important for you to call your health care provider for guidance.
We have had no additional reports of this illness. However, in an abundance of caution, we have taken extra steps to sanitize the schools and buses. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jane Floyd Bullen
Principal