CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)—May 8, 2013. As I hope you have heard by now, Lindblom WILL BE in session on May 9. What follows is a letter from Dr. Stephanie Whyte to the Lindblom Community about the Meningitis that struck Savon Smith.
Dear Lindblom Parents/Guardians & School Staff:
We were deeply saddened to learn that a student from Lindblom Math & Science Academy High School passed away on May 6, 2013. From what we have learned, this resulted from a noncontagious form of bacterial meningitis. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
There is no immediate health risk to students and staff. There are also no other known or
reported cases of meningitis at Lindblom at this time.
Based on information about the student’s course of illness and preliminary findings from the Cook County Medical Examiner, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is not recommending preventative antibiotics for those who had close contact with the student. In addition, CDPH believes that Lindblom Math & Science Academy High School is a safe environment to enter.
In general, if you have questions or concerns about you or your child’s health, contact your healthcare provider. CDPH does not believe there is risk to close contacts related to this incident. However, meningitis is a serious illness. Meningitis infection may show up in a person by a sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It will often have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), and/or altered mental status (confusion). Anyone exhibiting such symptoms should contact their doctor immediately. For additional information about meningitis, please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
Your child’s health and wellbeing is important to everyone at CPS. If you have additional
questions, please reach out to my office at any time. We look forward to classes resuming at Lindblom on Thursday May 9, 2013.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A. Whyte MD, MBA
Chief Health Officer
LindblomMeningitisLetter_5 8 13-FINAL.pdf (207 KB)
Source: http://lindblomeagles.org
