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September 24, 2003
SKAGIT COUNTY – A 14-year old male student at La Conner High School was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis on Monday, September 22. The disease is a sudden illness identified by the onset of fever, intense headache, nausea/vomiting, and rash. “This is a separate disease from the recent outbreak of viral meningitis at Mount Vernon High School, and is much more serious” said Skagit County Public Health Director Peter Browning. “Our strategy is to take all necessary precautions and medicate those with direct contact within the next 24 hours.” Bacterial Meningitis is transmitted by direct contact with nose or throat secretions. An athlete, the student had recently participated in a football game on September 22, with Concrete High School junior varsity, and a recreational basketball game on Sunday. As a safety precaution, all participating athletes and participants will be treated with medication, according to Browning. Parents of the participating athletes are being contacted by the La Conner and Concrete school districts. Notices are being sent home with students alerting their parents of the situation. Parents, who feel their child may have been exposed to the disease are encouraged to contact their physician for possible medication. The incubation of the disease is two to ten days after exposure. A person can transmit the disease from the time they are first infected until bacteria are no longer present in discharges from the nose and throat. “If you or anyone in your family exhibits severe symptoms, please contact your primary health care provider immediately,” said Browning.
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