A local sixth-grader was hospitalized Friday after being diagnosed with a case of bacterial meningitis.
The Bryan-College Station Eagle reported March 1 that the unidentified student from Sam Rayburn Middle School was taken to a doctor Wednesday with a rash and a high fever. A spinal tap conducted at a local hospital confirmed the presence of the infection.
Bacterial, or meningococcal, meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord. State health officials estimate that the bacteria that causes the infection lives in the throats and noses of nearly 15 percent of the population without making them sick.
If meningitis is diagnosed early and treated properly, the majority of people affected make a complete recovery, according to the Texas Department of Health.
The disease can be spread by coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing utensils. It is not as contagious as the common cold and cannot be transmitted by casual contact or breathing the breath of an infected person.
Dr. Richard Conklin, a College Station physician who specializes in infectious diseases, said that although meningitis is not unique to college students, they should be wary of the symptoms.
“Don’t wait around to see what develops, see your doctor immediately if you show signs of any symptoms,” he said. “It is not a really big issue if it is caught early, but it will be if you let it go too long.”
Brazos Valley physicians have reported an average of only one local case of bacterial meningitis each year. Statewide, there were 119 cases reported last year, a decrease from 198 in 2001, the Eagle reported.
The Texas Department of Health recommends certain at-risk groups such as college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls, be vaccinated.
Statistics affirm that the highest group at risk for meningitis is between the ages of 2 and 18. However, there is a risk for meningitis in all age groups.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travel, school and large group attendance may continue as planned without fear of contracting meningitis.