Jan 14, 2007 2:09 pm US/Eastern
Meningitis Outbreak At High School In New Jersey
PATERSON, N.J. (AP) ―
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Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. (File)
Wyckoff authorities are investigating a meningitis outbreak at Ramapo High School. They say two students, both members of the varsity ice hockey team, were diagnosed with the disease on Saturday. Both are in "very serious" condition at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, N.J.
Dorothy Voorman-Fish, Wyckoff Board of Health President, said they are not sure how the two students contacted the disease. They are, however, looking into a water bottle that both players shared.
Police say another student was treated for similar symptoms at Hackensack University Medical Center. That student has not been diagnosed as having meningitis.
Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions including coughing and kissing. Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu. Also, the bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.
In an online posting, health officials said they have "two confirmed linked cases" of the meningococcal disease and are identifying who should begin taking antibiotics as a precaution. Officials said they saw no need "to dispense medication on a mass level to all students and staff."
School and health officials canceled all sporting events at the Ramapo High School on Saturday. They also, notified Fair Lawn High School, its hockey teams Friday afternoon opponents, of the outbreak.
Officials say school will be open on Monday.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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