DCPS and DC Health Officials have confirmed that a student has tested positive for bacterial meningitis at Burrville Elementary School in Northeast.

At first only parents with children in grades K3 and K4 were sent a letter home about it. Now that a number of parents have complained about the contagious illness the school administration will send home letters to all parents today.

Bacterial meningitis causes inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is highly contagious. It can take up to 10 days before you see the symptoms which can include stiff neck, high fever, nausea, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, headaches, confusion and a rash.

Those families that received the letter initially recommend to see their primary care physician. If you have any questions contact Kossia Dassie, Epidemiologist at DC Department of Health’s Division of Epidemiology-Disease Surveillance and investigation at 202-442-5893.

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