HOUSTON — Houston ISD and the city's health department are investigating a health concern at Bonham Elementary School.
The school district told KHOU 11 News it confirmed a single positive case of meningococcal disease and parents were notified on Tuesday.
HISD also confirmed that a third-grade student at Bonham died last Thursday and parents were notified that day in a separate letter. They aren't saying if the student who died is also the case of meningococcal disease.
The Houston Health Department is investigating and will be contact tracing since it's spread by close contact such as sharing food, drinks or eating utensils, by coughing that produces saliva or by kissing.
"The health department is going to be seeing who is in the classroom, who might’ve been a best friend of the case and spending more time because the disease can become very serious very quickly," said Catherine Troisi with UT Health Houston School of Public Health.
Bonham Elementary School is located on Braes River Drive in southwest Houston.
KHOU 11 News reached out to the district on Tuesday after receiving a tip and the district shared details Wednesday morning.
In the school district's statement released on Wednesday, they said they are working in collaboration with the health department to appropriately address this development and prioritize the safety of other students and families.
HISD said the school sent notifications to families and information to staff and students who may have been in close contact with the confirmed case.
Here is the full statement:
"HISD can confirm a single positive case of Meningococcal Disease at Bonham Elementary School.
"The District is working in collaboration with the Houston Health Department to appropriately address this development and prioritize the safety of other students and families. The school sent notifications to families and information to staff and students who may have been in close contact with the confirmed case.
"The District Health and Medical team will continue to work closely with school staff to provide additional information for families who may have questions."
According to the Centers for Disease Control:
"Meningococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.
"The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis and bloodstream infections.
"With meningococcal meningitis, the bacteria infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling.
"With a meningococcal bloodstream infection, the bacteria enter the blood and damage the walls of the blood vessels. This causes bleeding in the skin and organs."
We've also obtained a copy of the letter Bonham's principal sent to parents on Tuesday.
It reads, in part: "We have been notified by the Houston Health Department that one of our students was diagnosed with meningococcal disease. While this can be upsetting, the chance of you/your child also becoming ill with this disease is very small. Public health and Bonham Elementary officials are working together to protect the health and safety of all at our school."
Meningococcal disease symptoms
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen, the CDC says. These are the most common symptoms.
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
Other symptoms may include:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
Symptoms in babies may include:
- Slow or inactive
- Irritable
- No appetite
- Soft spot on the skill
- abnormal reflexes
- Vomiting
After exposure, it can take two to 10 days for symptoms to appear.
The CDC advises anyone with symptoms of meningococcal disease should seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are important.
Is meningococcal disease contagious?
According to the CDC, people spread meningococcal bacteria to others by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit).
Generally, it takes close contact and/or lengthy contact to spread the bacteria.
Meningococcal bacteria isn't as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.
How to prevent meningococcal disease
The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated. CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for
- All preteens and teens
- Children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease
HISD said one dose of the MenACWY vaccine is required for students enrolling in 7th-12th grades in Texas.