PARKERSBURG - Parents at Blennerhassett Middle School are being warned of a case of viral meningitis.
Officials were contacted during the Thanksgiving break by a parent who said her child, a student at the middle school, had been hospitalized with viral meningitis, Teresa Morehead, coordinator of health services for Wood County Schools, said Wednesday.
"I'm aware of one reported case," Morehead said Wednesday. "We don't have a diagnoses from a doctor at this point. This is just what we were told by the parent."
A letter was sent to parents this week warning them about the illness and asking everyone to be aware. A fact sheet from the state Department of Health and Human Resources also was included.
"It is the intent of this letter to inform parents and avoid potential misinformation," according to the letter. " The school is taking extra measures to disinfect and sanitize surfaces to reduce the chance of infection."
Morehead said viral meningitis is similar to influenza in how it is spread and its symptoms. More severe cases can lead to serious health issues.
The best way to combat spread of the virus is through hand washing, covering coughs and by sanitizing surfaces.
The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department also was contacted, which is standard procedure, Morehead said.
Parents with questions or who want more information can contact the school nurse or the district's health services department at 304-420-9663.
