Hubbard boy contracts viral meningitis

The affected pupil's brother hasn't contracted the virus, a school official said.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Roosevelt Elementary and school district buses were scrubbed with bleach over the weekend after a pupil got sick with viral meningitis.
Superintendent Richard Buchenic said Tuesday that the school was notified late Friday by a parent that one of her two sons -- both are pupils in the school -- had been diagnosed as having the virus.
Viral meningitis, according to the National Center of Infectious Diseases, is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord tissue and is rarely fatal. The symptoms are headache, stiff neck, fever and light sensitivity.
The virus runs its course in seven to 10 days and is treated with rest, liquids and medication to reduce fever and headache.
Letters to parents
Buchenic said letters have been set home with the pupils to inform parents of the case and what the school is doing to prevent the spread of the virus.
Selene Layton, nursing director at the Trumbull County Board of Health, said her office received telephone calls about the case and provided the school nurse with information.
Layton said one or two cases in a school building are not significant, but if a number of them are diagnosed, the health department will attempt to determine if there is a specific cause.
Buchenic said the affected boy's brother did not have the virus as of Tuesday.
The principal, assistant principal and nurse have been instructed to contact parents if pupils have the symptoms.
"I thought we followed procedure," Buchenic said in notifying parents and washing down the school and buses with a bleach solution.
At the school, he pointed out, walls, railings and bathrooms were sanitized.
yovich@vindy.com