Girl, 16, Suffering Meningitislike Illness

A 16-year-old Shelley High School student is in a Utah hospital with symptoms of a bacterial infection that is a form of meningitis.

The girl was admitted to the Idaho Falls hospital on Friday but then was flown to Primary Children’s Hospital. Test results are not back, but relatives and others who have been in close contact with the girl have been treated with antibiotics as a precaution.

“This is not a risk to the general public. It’s not even a risk to students at Shelley High School,” said Karen Cowgill, epidemiologist for the local health department.

If confirmed, it will be the fifth case of meningococcal disease identified in the state this year but the first in Bingham County.

The infection attacks the blood or spinal fluid and can be fatal.