Westfield students exposed to meningitis
By Layla Wilder
Administrators and staff at Westfield High School have canceled band practice and are cleaning the school after a former student was diagnosed with meningitis.The Westfield graduate was helping with the band at the school before he was diagnosed, according to Paul Regnier, a Fairfax County Public Schools spokesman.
The disease is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord and, in the most severe cases, is life-threatening.
School officials found out and canceled band practice Aug. 18 and 19 as of press time Tuesday, Regnier said.
They are now waiting to see if the meningitis was bacterial or the less contagious viral. Mike Andrews, a spokesman for the county's health department, said it's unlikely that it was bacterial because the patient and his doctor would be required to report that to the department within 24 hours.
The school system has taken appropriate action so far, Andrews said. “With any type of meningitis, we always emphasize the importance of hygiene.”