Liberty High Student Diagnosed With Meningitis

The School District of Pickens County is taking precautions after a Liberty High School student was diagnosed with meningitis.

According to district spokesman John Eby, the school district was notified Friday by the parent of an LHS student that the student had been hospitalized with a diagnosis of meningitis.

“Immediately, the coordinator of nursing and the principal began to work with DHEC to make sure that the school district took necessary precautions,” Eby said in a statement. “At this time the case is suspected of being bacterial meningitis. However, the school district has not received confirmation from DHEC.”

Friday morning the LHS custodial staff thoroughly cleaned surfaces and areas that the student may

have come in contact with while at school, Eby said.

“There is no recommendation that any persons who have been in contact with this student at school

receive any treatment,” he said.

The germs that cause bacterial meningitis can be contagious. They can be spread through respiratory and oral secretions.

According to the Center for Disease Control, most of the bacteria that cause meningitis are not as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu. The bacteria are spread to other people through close or direct contact (such as kissing) with the infected person.

The symptoms of meningitis infection may be sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck.

Many times there may also be nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or confusion. If you or anyone

in your household exhibits these symptoms, seek care from a doctor.

“We will continue to monitor all students at LHS, watch for any other patterns of symptoms or

illness, and remain in contact with DHEC,” Eby said. “Should parents have questions or concerns regarding meningitis, they should contact their doctor.”