FLAGSTAFF — A health advisory has been issued in the Flagstaff area after two students began showing signs of bacterial meningitis, a potentially deadly infection.
The suspected infections of a Flagstaff Middle School student and a 21-year-old Northern Arizona University student appear to be unrelated, according to the Coconino County Health Department.
Those who have been in close contact with the two are being identified and are receiving antibiotics. Meningitis infects fluids near the spinal cord and brain and can be either a viral or a bacterial infection.
Children 11 years or older are advised to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.
The vaccine will be mandatory to enter kindergarten through high school in Arizona by next fall.
Meningitis is contagious but is not spread through casual contact.
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Bacteria can be spread from person to person by direct contact with an infected person's saliva, including through sharing drinking glasses, utensils or smoking materials, through kissing, and possibly through sharing food.
The disease is often difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, sensitivity to light and vomiting. Symptoms can become severe.
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
