Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Parents Notified Of Student's Infection

Parents with children in the Prescott School District were notified of a child being diagnosed with a meningococcal infection.

This, according to information from the Arkansas Department of Health, is the same kind of bacterium which causes meningitis.

The ADH has contacted those needing preventative medication in the case. This includes those with household contact with the infected child and a small number of children in close contact with the child at school, who apparently shared a drinking glass.

Those having casual contact do not need to take the preventative antibiotics to avoid a possible infection.

The infected child is a student at Prescott Middle School.

According to the ADH, this a meningococcal infection is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, though there are several other types.

The symptoms include fever, intense headaches, irritability or listlessness, vomiting and a rash. Because the disease spreads quickly in the body, it is important to see a doctor if any symptoms develop.

The infection is spread with secretions from the nose and throat, such as by kissing, coughing, sneezing or sharing object like food and drink. The infection occurs most often during winter and spring, most notably the cold and flu season.

Those who come in direct contact with someone infected should see a doctor as soon as possible for testing.