Heights Teacher Diagnosed With Bacterial Meningitis

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — A staff member at a Cleveland Heights-University Heights middle school has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, according to multiple reports. The school has been on break since Dec. 21 and classes will resume Jan. 8.

The staffer received their diagnosis after the Dec. 21 break started, cleveland.com reports. While students are on holiday, the building will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

A school spokesperson told Fox 8 that the district was lucky the diagnosis came when it did, with students and other employees out on break.

Bacterial meningitis can be deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Membranes around the brain and spine will swell, causing fever, stiff neck and headaches, the Mayo Clinic said.

Bacterial meningitis germs typically spread person-to-person, but can also be spread through food, the CDC said.

"How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria," the CDC said on its website. "It is also important to know that people can carry these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. These people are “carriers.” Most carriers never become sick, but can still spread the bacteria to others."

More information on bacterial meningitis can be found by clicking here.

A spokesperson for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

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