Arapahoe County, Colorado — Ann eaglecrest high school The teacher died after being believed to have contracted bacterial meningitis.
A teacher, identified by the school district as Maddie Schmidt, died over the weekend after exhibiting symptoms consistent with bacterial meningitis.
Because the infection is contagious and may require hospitalization, the Cherry Creek School District has elected to cancel Tuesday night’s athletic meet and activities and to cancel Wednesday, April 12, school and activities. bottom.
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain (meninges). When infected, the membranes become infected, swelling and compressing the spinal cord and brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Symptoms of meningitis come on suddenly and worsen quickly.
According to a district letter sent to the Eaglecrest community: Arapahoe County Public Health Department has finished tracking the deal and will decide on next steps on Wednesday.
“We currently have one confirmed case, and we’re following up to see if they have symptoms from the exposure,” said Anders Nelson, of the Arapahoe County Health Department. It takes 10 days, but symptoms usually appear within 3-4 days.”
The department has identified those who have been exposed and is coordinating with school districts to notify students and staff, Nelson said.
Eaglecrest students were scheduled to take the PSAT and SAT tests on Wednesday, but these tests will be rescheduled by the school.
In the letter, the school district said it “takes this matter very seriously and is working closely with the Arapahoe County Public Health Department (ACPH) to identify any students or staff who may have been in close contact with an infected staff member. Arapahoe County Public Health will contact directly the families of all staff and students who have been determined to be in close contact, and these individuals will be provided prophylactic antibiotics. ”
High schools will have school and district mental health support staff available when teachers and students return Thursday.
Signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis:
- high fever
- severe headache
- torticollis
- sleepiness
- nausea/vomiting
- loss of appetite
- Disoriented, irritable, or confused
- light sensitive eyes
Contagion duration and spread
The bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or nasal or throat secretions. Asymptomatic infected people can pass the bacteria on to others. Symptomatic cases can be contagious until 24-hour antibiotic treatment is completed.
process
People who suspect meningitis should be referred to a health care provider. State or local public health agencies will notify close contacts if prophylactic antibiotics are needed. Bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections often require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics.
For questions about bacterial meningitis, contact the Arapahoe County Public Health Department at 303-795-HLTH (4584).
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