WHS Student Suspected of Having Meningitis

A message to parents from Windham High School Principal Tom Murphy today indicated that a studnet is suspected of having Meningococcal Meningitis.

According to Murphy, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is currently assisting the school with the situation to make recommendations.

The school can't provide any information as to the identify of the student involved.

Murphy provided some information on Meningococcus, which is a bacteria spread from person to person. Spread of the infection occurs through close or intimate contact with a person's saliva, such as sharing eating utensils, cups or water bottles, or kissing.

Usually these people live in the same house or are close friends of the ill person. Casual contact such as being in the same class with the ill person does not pose an increased risk.

Below is some other information provided by Murphy about Meningococcus:

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare disease that occurs throughout the US; in New Hampshire we experience between 3 to 12 cases a year. Meningitis is an infection of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The usual symptoms include fever, headache, abnormal tiredness, neck pain or stiffness, and a rash with fine "freckles" or purple splotches. The disease has the best chance of cure if appropriate antibiotic treatment is started quickly.

The DHSS will be contacting the close contacts directly based on information provided by the school and will be recommending preventative treatment, which involves antibiotics.

If residents have questions about the recommendations or any other aspect of this case please they are asked to contact the State Department of Health and Human Services.

During business hours they can call the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-852-3345 (extension 4496); after hours or during the weekends you can call 1-800-852-3345 or (603) 271-5300 and request to speak with the Public Health Nurse.