A Colorado high school closed its doors after two faculty members passed away over the weekend, including one who possibly had bacterial meningitis.
Eaglecrest High School made the decision to suspend sports and extracurricular activities on Tuesday evening, and classes were called off for Wednesday. These measures are observed as a precautionary measure following the passing of two teachers to prevent the possibility of a bacterial meningitis outbreak.
According to 9News, the Cherry Creek School District identified one of the teachers as Maddie Schmidt, aged 24; she displayed symptoms indicative of bacterial meningitis before her death. The other faculty member was Judith Geoffroy, a 63-year-old special education paraeducator.
Principal Gwen Hansen-Vigil conveyed the sad news of their deaths on Monday.
Colorado High School Cancels Classes
The school district released a statement to assure members of the community that they are working closely with public health officials to ensure the safety of both students and teachers.
According to Fox News, it was clarified that Arapahoe County Public Health will make direct contact with both the families of students and staff members who have had close contact. These individuals will be offered preventive antibiotics to keep them from getting sick.
Furthermore, in the wake of the recent tragedy, the school will have mental health support staff available for students and staff. Two women who worked at the school's integrated learning center were mentioned, but there was no confirmation about the cause of death of one of them, Geoffroy.
Due to the circumstances, PSAT and SAT testing that was scheduled to take place on Wednesday will be rescheduled. The school is also sending out general information from Arapahoe County Public Health about bacterial meningitis, including information about symptoms and when to call a healthcare provider. The school district expects to resume normal operations on Monday, as long as public health officials continue their investigation.
Dangers of Bacterial Meningitis
Meningitis is a dangerous infection of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The infection causes these membranes to swell, which can lead to life-threatening complications. Meningitis symptoms come on quickly and can worsen rapidly.
Based on John Hopkins Medicine, the symptoms of bacterial meningitis include a painful, stiff neck with limited range of motion, easy bruising, headaches, a high fever, a skin rash, confusion or drowsiness, and sensitivity to light.
Meningitis can be caused by either bacteria or a virus, with viral meningitis being more common but bacterial meningitis being more severe.
Bacterial meningitis can result in brain damage, paralysis, or stroke. It is a serious illness that can lead to death within a few hours, although most people do recover. However, some survivors may experience long-term disabilities such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.
Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis, but vaccines are available to prevent many of them. Knowing the cause of meningitis is important as it can have different outcomes and require different treatments.
Infants under 1 year of age and people between 16 and 21 years old are at greater risk of bacterial meningitis, as are college students living in dorms or other close quarters and adults with certain medical conditions, such as those without a spleen.
