CPS PARENT BULLETIN: Primary Student Diagnosed with Meningitis

Late on Tuesday evening, we learned that one of our Primary students had become very ill with
meningitis. The students condition is still serious and while physicians have positively identified
meningitis as the cause, test results have yet to reveal whether the infection is VIRAL or BACTERIAL.
Bacterial meningitis is the more severe, dangerous form of the infection. Communication and planning
to minimize student vulnerability to the presence of EITHER viral or bacterial meningitis began Tuesday
evening and has continued throughout Wednesday. Maintenance personnel and staff worked to ensure
all high-contact areas were wiped down or sprayed with anti-bacterial cleaners (prior to the start of the
school day) --- with an emphasis on the areas where our diagnosed student spends the majority of the
school day. The Districts school nurse, Kim Martin has been in contact with the Tazewell County Health
Department since early this morning (Wednesday morning) to engage the Department for information
and guidance as we monitor (and respond to) the Schools diagnosed case of meningitis. She spoke to
the CPS staff briefly this morning before school began to brief them on this situation and provide
guidance for minimizing student risk. Additionally, our Maintenance Team has communicated with the
Districts cleaning service (who arrives late afternoon to clean the building after students have left for
the day) to outline enhanced cleaning practices in concentrated areas of the School. I spoke to the
cleaning service manager this evening to verify that our restrooms, classrooms, lockers, water fountains,
keyboards, door knobs/handles, light switches and any other high-contact areas throughout the
building were going to be treated/cleaned with anti-bacterial cleaners. This will be our building-wide
cleaning emphasis for the next several evenings to minimize hazards for students during the school day.
An informational letter from our District nurse, Kim Martin was sent home with each CPS student this
afternoon. Ive attached the note as well as some current information regarding meningitis from the
Illinois Department of Public Health. Please keep the affected Central student and family in your
thoughts as they battle through this difficult time. Thanks for everyones unwavering support of the
School! --bl
*If youve got specific or unique concerns about your childs health as it relates to the Schools diagnosed case of
meningitis, do not hesitate to contact the School (444-3580).