A Westlake High School student is being treated for a potential case of Meningococcal disease, administrators said in a letter to parents Thursday.
According to the school, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health has been in contact with the family to identify potential at-risk students. Those students will be notified if necessary and receive the recommended course of therapy.
Meningococcal disease, also referred to as cerebrospinal meningitis, is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing), according to the CDC.
Symptoms are usually sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to the flu.
Westlake High School is implementing a precautionary cleaning protocol throughout the building.
Administrators ask that parents direct questions toward family doctors or the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at 216-201-2091.
Read the entire letter sent to parents below:
Dear Parent or Guardian:
This letter is to inform you that school officials were notified on Thursday, May 19, that a Westlake High School student is being treated for a potential case of Meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can only be transmitted by close prolonged contact with respiratory secretions of infected individuals. Examples of close contact include kissing, drinking from the same beverage container, or sharing eating utensils. Therefore, only individuals who came in contact with the student’s respiratory secretions in this manner would be considered at risk. This disease cannot be transmitted by casual contact among students who may have attended the same classes as the student. Therefore, preventative treatment is not recommended for casual contacts such as school or work.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health is in contact with the family to identify potential at-risk students. These individuals will be notified if necessary and receive the recommended course of therapy.
While special cleaning procedures are not indicated by health officials, Westlake High School is implementing a precautionary cleaning protocol throughout the building. Attached is a Meningococcal disease fact sheet with information and links provided through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have any concerns, call your family physician or the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at (216) 201-2091.
Sincerely,
The Westlake City Schools
