Statement Regarding Possible Meningitis Case in Carbon County

February 22, 2019

There is no cause for widespread public health concern related to a possible meningitis case in Carbon County, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

Hospital laboratory work involving the Carbon County student described in communications shared earlier this week by local school representatives has not been completed. As a result, no specific diagnosis has been confirmed for this student.

There are several types of bacterial meningitis, and only one form, caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, is viewed as a limited public health concern.

People spread Neisseria meningitidis through respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit). This typically involves activities such as coughing or kissing or lengthy living in the same household.

Typically, when this particular form of meningitis is confirmed in a patient, the Wyoming Department of Health recommends preventive treatment with antibiotics for close contacts of the ill individual. Other forms of meningitis do not usually require preventive treatment with antibiotics.

The most effective way to prevent certain types of bacterial meningitis, including Neisseria meningitidis, is vaccination.