Two SAD 60 students diagnosed with meningitis

NORTH BERWICK - Two students within SAD 60 have contracted meningitis, however, a message from Supt. Steven Connolly on the district's website says there is no need for major alarm at this time.

One student at the Vivian E. Hussey Primary School in Berwick was diagnosed with the less dangerous viral meningitis, while a Noble Middle School student's case has yet to be more closely identified.

Bacterial meningitis is the far more serious of the two variations.

Connolly said the students live in different towns and do not appear to know each other.

The symptoms of either form include fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, vomiting, sleepiness, lethargy, lack of appetite and nausea.

There are no vaccines or medicines to combat the virus that causes the disease, so most treatment is directed at alleviating symptoms. In most cases patients recover in a week or so.

While Connolly said there is no reason to believe the cases have anything to do with the school setting, staff are more closely inspecting and cleaning bathrooms, water fountains, the cafeteria and classrooms.