Supposed meningitis case found not contagious

The Wyoming Department of Health says it has confirmed there is no public health concern related to a recent case of meningitis in Carbon County.

According to the department, recently completed laboratory tests involving a Carbon County school student established the presence of “streptococcus pneumonia” bacteria or pneumococcus.

“We know the kind of bacteria confirmed with this student can cause many types of infections, including meningitis,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH. “However, we want people to know this form of meningitis is not considered contagious. There is no heightened reason for Carbon County families to be worried because of this student’s illness.”

She said the bacteria involved with the student was the same that often causes ear and sinus infections, as well as pneumonia and, in rare cases, meningitis.

Harrist said the most effective way to help prevent most types of bacterial meningitis is vaccination.