Wakefield teacher diagnosed with bacterial meningitis

WAKEFIELD, Mass. -- Students and parents at Galvin Middle School in Wakefield were put on alert after a teacher at the school was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

The Health Department said the teacher called out sick on Wednesday and found out this past weekend about her condition.

The school quickly contacted the parents of 39 students that came into contact with the teacher.

“We gave them information about what was happening, what the disease is, and the antibiotic that we would recommend them to go on just in case,” said Ruth Clay of the Health Department, regarding the alert that was put out to parents.

The superintendent and her staff notified parents and had the school scrubbed.

“Everyone is very concerned about our staff member and wanted some more information. We will resume school as normal in the morning. I will be here as a representative of the district,” said Joan Landers, Superintendent of Wakefield Schools.

Doctors said the chances of bacterial meningitis spreading in the school are slim. Some symptoms to look out for include: high fever, headache, and disorientation.

“We want the parents to be aware of what is happening and to be aware of the symptoms of the disease so that they can keep an extra eye out. If we felt that there was a risk to the students or the staff, we wouldn’t have school tomorrow,” said Clay.

The school was open Monday and health officials assured parents that their children will be okay. Some parents were concerned, and as many as 16 children stayed home from school.

The teacher is in the hospital recovering.

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