Parents Urged to Watch for Meningitis Symptoms After Possible Case at Pickens Elementary

School District of Pickens County officials are urging parents to be mindful of the symptoms of meningitis after a possible case at Pickens Elementary School

John Eby, SDPC Public Information Specialist, said a letter from the Department of Health and Environmental Control was sent home for parents today.

Eby said that the district has not received word of a positive meningitis test. The school was notified that a student was being tested for meningitis and began taking precautions.

The diagnosis referenced in the letter, written by Dr. Melissa Overman with DHEC, prompted officials to contact parents Monday night.  

Custodial crews have wiped down all hard surfaces at the school, and officials will continue to work with DHEC and take any necessary precautions, Eby said.

“Our message to parents is to look out for symptoms, call a doctor immediately if there is a concern, and keep their children at home from school if they show any signs of illness,” Eby said in a statement to media Tuesday afternoon. “At this time, we have not been notified of any other students diagnosed with meningitis.”

Overman said exposure may have occurred between Sept. 9th and 18th.

Symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, headache and a stiff neck.

Overman urges parents to take their children to a physician if they exhibit any of the above symptoms.