One student is at Exeter Senior High School and another at Exeter Junior High School, according to the letter.
“While the exact type of meningitis is also not confirmed, the results of all the tests to confirm the disease will not be known until some time this weekend,” according to the letter.
“Several tests on one of the students indicate that it’s likely the viral type and not bacterial,” the letter read. “Therefore as a precautionary measure, we are making you aware of this and providing this information.”
“We will send an update on Monday when we have more information,” the district wrote to parents.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.”
Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, and the severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause.
According to the CDC, viral meningitis is “serious but rarely fatal in people with normal immune systems and depending upon the virus involved.”
“Bacterial meningitis is usually severe,” according to the CDC. “While most people with meningitis recover, it can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.”
“The swelling associated with meningitis often triggers the ‘hallmark’ signs and symptoms of this condition, including headache, fever and a stiff neck. Most cases of meningitis in the U.S. are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial and fungal infections also can lead to meningitis,” the CDC information states.
Depending on the cause of the infection, meningitis can get better on its own in a couple of weeks – or it can be a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent antibiotic treatment.
Early treatment of bacterial meningitis can prevent serious complications.