Web Extra!
Two Riverside-Brookfield High School varsity football players have come down with viral meningitis and will miss tonight’s season opening football game with Metamora, RB Interim Superintendent David Bonnette said today.
The two players, who both play defense, came down with the illness this week. One case was officially confirmed today. While the other case has yet to be officially confirmed, Bonnette said that it appears that both players have the same illness.
One player was diagnosed and treated today at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, but was apparently not admitted to the hospital, according to Bonnette.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spiral cord, according to a letter to RB parents posted on the high school’s Web site.
Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis and usually subsides in a few days to a week, according to the letter, which was written by the Cook County Department of Public Health, according to Bonnette.
Parents were also informed of the news by RB’s new Skylert telephone notification system.
Viral meningitis, also called aseptic meningitis, is spread by viruses and is sometimes is caused by bites from infected mosquitoes.
Treatment generally consists of reducing the fever and giving the ill person plenty of liquids. Children should not be given aspirin.
Symptoms generally include fever, headache, stiff neck, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
For more information see the letter posted on the high school’s Web site at www.rbhs.w-cook.k12.il.us.
