OROVILLE — Butte County Public Health authorities have confirmed a fatal case of meningitis in an Oroville High School junior.
The girl, who was not named by officials, was 16 and died on June 11.
Meningitis is a highly contagious disease that causes swelling of the brain and spinal cord.
May Phao, a nursing supervisor with Public Health, said the girl had attended classes at the school while in the contagious period.
Phao said the department was working in tandem with the Oroville Union High School District to notify parents and guardians of students who may have come into contact with the girl, and have identified several “close contacts” and distributed preventative antibiotics.
Symptoms of meningitis include a fever, headache, chills, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, Phao said. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed and is now symptomatic, should seek evaluation with a doctor.