Dear Parents and/or Guardians:

 We are writing to inform you that we have a student with a suspected case of meningitis at North Hunterdon High School who is currently hospitalized.  The Hunterdon County Health Department is awaiting the results from lab tests before confirming if it is meningitis and what type, viral or bacterial.  We will communicate to you again once we are informed of the lab results.

 According to the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/faq.html), meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.  Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.  Viral meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and clears up without specific treatment.  Common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, and lack of appetite.

Preventing the spread of meningitis is similar to preventing the spread of flu: cover your cough, wash hands with soap and water, and avoid sharing utensils or drinking glasses with others.  Please remind your children of these good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of viruses.  Our custodians are also working to keep all commonly used surfaces sanitized, such as door knobs, drinking fountains, cafeteria tables, etc.

 Our school health office is working with the Hunterdon County Health Department regarding this suspected case.  If you have general questions or concerns about meningitis, please call the county health department at 908-788-1351 or visit the CDC’s website. 

 If your child is exhibiting symptoms of meningitis, please contact your family physician.  If you report your child out sick due to symptoms associated with meningitis, we would appreciate it if you would share that information with the school’s attendance office, which will inform the health office.  I wish to assure you that our schools are doing everything we can to keep your children safe and healthy this school year.

 Sincerely,

Charles M. Shaddow, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools