Denver Public Schools assures parents and staff there is no ongoing risk of meningitis following the death of a student at Lincoln Elementary School. The school district worked with public health officials to investigate and rule out disease transmission.
DENVER — Denver Public Schools stated there is no ongoing risk of meningitis following the death of a student at Lincoln Elementary School. In a letter to parents and guardians on February 27, the school district acknowledged the 'tragic passing of a Lincoln Elementary student' and offered condolences. DPS did not disclose the student's identity or cause of death but focused on meningitis in its communication.
'Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and community members affected by this profound loss,' DPS said in its letter. 'We ask that the Lincoln Elementary School Community continue to honor and support the family by protecting their right to privacy at this time.' According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meningitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and can be caused by 'many things' but is most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light), and altered mental status (confusion). Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis should seek immediate medical attention, according to the CDC. The school district said it has been collaborating with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) to 'investigate and rule out the possibility of disease transmission' at Lincoln Elementary. Currently, DPS stated there is no ongoing risk of exposure to students or staff. 'All Colorado healthcare providers and laboratories are required to immediately report any illnesses suspected to be caused by these bacteria to public health authorities. At this time, no cases of illness caused by either of these bacteria have been identified at Lincoln Elementary School. There is also no concern for circulation of these specific germs at the elementary school,' said DPS. The school district is encouraging parents and guardians to follow these tips to prevent the overall spread of germs: keep your child home if they are sick, report symptoms when calling in absences, talk to your doctor, stay up to date on vaccinations, cover coughs and sneezes, practice frequent hand washing, increase cleaning and disinfection, and connect with School-based Health Centers (SBHC). Those with disease-specific questions can contact DDPHE's Epidemiology and Disease Intervention Team at 720-865-5767 or ddphe_epi@denvergov.org
Meningitis School Denver Public Health Student Death
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