A Methuen girl was reported with having viral meningitis prompting an alert to Marsh Grammar School students and their parents, the Eagle Tribune reports.
Mayor William Manzi confirmed that a girl, who was not identified, was diagnosed with viral meningitis.
Manzi, who also is chairman of the Methuen School Committee, said "It is serious, and we take it seriously and we need to take all the proper steps to make sure it's contained."
Only a couple of days ago, on Sunday, a Londonderry High School junior, Rebecca Tenney, 16, died as a result of complications of viral meningitis at Children's Hospital in Boston.
Viral meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and around the brain. Health officials said viral meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and is usually resolved without specific treatment.
The symptoms for meningitis are similar to the flu and include fever, severe and constant headache, stiff neck or neck pain, nausea and vomiting and rash. Also look for changes in behavior, such as confusion, sleepiness, and trouble waking up.
Viral meningitis can be spread through saliva or feces. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is advised to prevent spreading meningitis viruses. The use of alcohol-based hand rubs or gels can also help.
Do not sharing food, drinks or eating utensils with other people, as viruses and bacteria in the saliva can be spread from person to person.
Please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Immunization website, as well as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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