“Your child may return to school when they are fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication,” the letter said.
On Thursday, Superintendent Todd Yohey said there had been no other diagnoses of aseptic or viral meningitis among district students. Viruses often cause aseptic meningitis, so it also is called viral meningitis.
The health district confirmed no other reports had been received, or tests sought, according to Alicia Habermehl, assistant director of nursing prevention.
“The school district was proactive in sending out a letter to parents,” Habermehl said.
Yohey added that he expected the diagnosed student was undergoing treatment.
The district posted an alert and the letter to parents and guardians Wednesday on its Facebook page after a high school student was diagnosed with the illness.
“Aseptic meningitis occurs primarily in young children,” according to the letter from the high school’s clinic and the Warren County Health District about the possible exposure.
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“Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain or spinal cord,” the letter said. “The virus is present in the bowel movements and saliva of infected persons.”
The letter advises parents to watch for: headache, fever, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck. These symptoms generally go away with no permanent damage after a few days to a week, the post says.
If a child develops any symptoms in the next few weeks, parents should contact their doctor or call the the Warren County Health Department, according to the letter.
Spread of the virus can be reduced and controlled through:
•Frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating
•Not sharing eating utensils or drinking cups
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