South Amboy Teacher Diagnosed With Meningitis, Classroom Sanitized

SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A classroom and common area at South Amboy Elementary School has been sanitized after a teacher came down with viral meningitis.

South Amboy schools Superintendent Robert Sheedy told parents about the diagnosis in a letter on the school's website Tuesday.

Sheedy said the risk of others becoming ill is small and urged frequent hand-washing to reduce the chance of catching meningitis.

Sheedy said the teacher will be absent this week and will see a doctor before she returns to work.

The Middlesex County Health Department is working with the school district to monitor the situation.

CBS2's Christine Sloan spoke to some parents, who said they're confident the school is doing everything it can to keep students safe.

"It's a virus and unfortunately, you know kids, parents, everybody gets sick -- even teachers," said parent Michelle Herman. "You just have to keep and eye out and make sure you wash your hands."

Parent Julietta Jean said she was a little worried, "but I believe that probably they have everything under control."

"I think the chances are slim to none that your children are going to get an illness," said parent Amy Wojaczyk. "And I think on a daily basis, they're exposed to far more things than you'll ever know about."

Common symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy.

There is no specific treatment. Most people with viral meningitis usually get better on their own within seven to 10 days, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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