The Brant County Health Unit is reporting a lab-confirmed case of invasive meningococcal disease.
The Grand Erie District School Board tweeted the case was “within Paris District High School community.”
The person is in hospital.
In a news release issued Friday afternoon, the health unit said its case and contact management team notified those considered a high-risk contact to the initial case.
There have been no secondary cases or spread associated with the affected person at this time, said the release.
Invasive meningococcal disease in an uncommon, serious bacterial infection. It can lead to meningitis, a dangerous infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and/or septicemia, a serious blood infection.
Invasive meningococcal disease is spread through close, direct contact, such as living in close quarters; kissing, coughing or sneezing; sharing food or drinks; sharing toothbrushes, mouth guards, cigarettes, vapes or lipstick; or sharing mouthed toys or musical instruments with a mouthpiece.
The bacteria isn’t spread through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been.
Symptoms develop two to 10 days (usually three to four days) after exposure and include sudden fever, drowsiness, irritability or fussiness, intense headache, vomiting, stiff neck, and a skin rash that spreads rapidly and begins as reddish/purple spots that don ‘t disappear when pressed.
Influenza also increases the risk of rare, harmful events associated with invasive meningococcal disease.
The health unit encourages people to get a flu shot through a pharmacy or primary healthcare provider.
Anyone who has symptoms of invasive meningococcal meningitis should see their healthcare provider immediately and inform them of their symptoms before arriving to prevent infecting others.