High Plains Community Schools had a sophomore student die from apparent meningitis.
High Plains Community Schools shared the potential risk caused by exposure to their
staff and students. High Plains also contacted any other school who may have had direct
or indirect contact with the student. High Plains Community Schools has been and will
continue to be in consistent contact with the Central District Health Department and will
be updating us and area schools if new information is pertinent to share.
We are making the following information available to you. If you have further questions,
please call the Central District Health Department or go to Litzenburg Hospital in Central
City, NE and request to speak to a Central District Health Department representative. I
am not able to release any specific information due to privacy laws.
As of this morning, according to information from the Central District Health
Department, it is not considered an outbreak. If I receive any updates from High Plains
that changes this statement, I will let you know.
At this point we will get updated information from High Plains Community Schools who
is getting their information and direction from the Central District Health Department.
What you need to know about meningitis:
1.
There are many types of meningitis. We are not yet certain of the type of
meningitis you may have been exposed to. Some types are more dangerous than
others and more contagious.
2.
We are not yet certain of the type of meningitis. Laboratory tests take time
to determine the specific type of meningitis, and ways to prevent meningitis vary
based on the type.
3.
Some types of meningitis can be spread person to person through respiratory
and throat secretions during close or lengthy contact. Those who are considered to
be close contacts and who are at risk for catching the disease include close family
members, boyfriends/girlfriends, and those who have shared food or drink.
4.
Based on the minimal information we have and in consultation with the
Merrick County Attorney, local medical staff and the DHHS State
Epidemiologist, preventive antibiotic treatment for those who had close contact
with the student will be offered to close contacts.
5.
If you believe you have had close contact and may have been exposed, you
can come to Litzenberg Hospital Board room between the hours of 9am and 3pm.
You will receive antibiotic treatment that consists of one tablet of ciprofloxacin.
Pregnant women and those with allergies to ciprofloxacin will receive a different
antibiotic.
6.
Maintaining healthy habits, like not smoking and avoiding cigarette smoke,
getting plenty of rest, and not coming into close contact with people who are sick,
can also help. This is especially important for young infants, the elderly, and
people with a weakened immune system, since they are at increased risk for
severe disease.
7.
For more information, please call Central District Health Department at 308385-5175.