Panic in US school after student tests positive to meningitis

A student of the Cary-Grove High School, Cary, Illinois, USA, has tested positive to bacterial meningitis causing panic amongst parents.

An official of the McHenry County Health Department, Susan Karras, said the rare disease can lead to death.

“It’s not common, but when it happens it’s very serious and it can cause death,” Karras said.

She however asked parents to remain calm.

Karras said officials have identified those who have had contact with the infected student and has also prescribed antibiotics as a precaution.

She said the school will from next year mandate students to show proof of vaccination for meningitis.

Meningitis, an infection of the meninges, protective membranes, that surround the brain and spinal cord, can be bacterial or viral.