A press release from Crystal Lake High School District 155:

MCDH Confirms Student Case of Bacterial Meningitis

by Shannon Mortimer in Cary-Grove
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The McHenry County Health Department has just informed us that a Cary-Grove High School student has a confirmed case of bacterial meningitis.

The health department is now in the process of contacting individuals deemed as having been in close contact with the student.

As a precautionary measure, the health department is referring them to their primary physician for treatment.

We are in communication and working closely with the health department.

The McHenry County Department of Health provided us the following information:

Bacterial meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions.

Fortunately, these bacteria are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.

Therefore Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningococcal disease has been.

It can be spread to people who have had close or lengthy contact with a case of meningococcal disease, such as, people in the same household, roommates, or anyone with direct contact with a case.

Meningococcal vaccines are available that help protect against meningococcal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends vaccinating individuals’ age 11 to 18 years with meningococcal vaccine.

We will continue to keep you updated, if you have any questions please contact the McHenry County Department of Health at 815-334-4500.