Meningococcal Disease Confirmed in M-E Student

Health officials say there has been one confirmed case of meningococcal disease in a student at Maine-Endwell High School.

Maine-Endwell School District Superintendent Jason Van Fossen on Tuesday released a letter informing people of the development.

According to the advisory, the meningococcal germ is spread by direct close contact with saliva or nose or throat discharges of an infected person. Such contact could occur through kissing, or sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, lipstick or cigarettes.

The germ is not spread by casual contact such as sitting next to someone, passing in a hallway or sharing a classroom.

The superintendent's letter indicates those who have had direct close contact with the student have been contacted by the Broome County Health Department. People who haven't had that type of contact are not considered to be at any additional risk.

Medical attention is recommended for those who develop symptoms such as high fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck or rash.

Dr. Christopher Ryan, Broome County Health Department medical director, said the case involving the Maine-Endwell High School student appears to be an "isolated incident."

Dr. Ryan will discuss meningococcal disease on WNBF's Binghamton Now program at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

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