Rosemont High Senior Catches Meningococcal; Parents Warned

A senior at Rosemont High School is currently hospitalized with a contagious and dangerous illness, and parents have been warned to watch for symptoms.

The senior, a 17-year-old, became sick with meningococcal disease on Friday, according to a newsletter from the school.

"Although the risk of disease to other students is quite low, parents are advised to be alert for signs of meningococcal disease," the newsletter states. "These include, but are not limited to: fever, headache, stiff neck, and/or rash that does not blanch on pressure (suggesting bleeding under the skin).

"If any of these signs or symptoms should develop, the student should be taken immediately to a physician or emergency room to be evaluated for possible meningococcal disease. Antibiotic treatment of the disease is usually successful, especially if it is started early."

The newsletter states that the Sacramento County Department of Health is "identifying persons who had close contact with this student and who should have antibiotic prophylaxis."

According to the California Department of Public Health, the disease can be spread by people who carry bacteria but aren't sick.

It can be spread by sharing drinks or food, kissing or by close contact, the department says.

And even if it's caught early, the disease can be fatal.

"Even if treated, 10–12 percent of people who get meningococcal disease will die from it," a California Department of Public Health flier states. "Of the survivors, 11–19 percent lose their arms or legs, become deaf or brain damaged, or suffer other complications."