Health Officials Search for Possible Connection in Meningitis Cases

A 9-year-old from Youngsville Elementary School was treated for meningitis Tuesday. Wednesday an 18-year-old with suspected meningitis died. The 18-year-old was a member of the Youngsville Basketball League, which played at the elementary school.

Franklin County Nursing Director Debbie Gupton says health officials are being cautious, but are not greatly alarmed.

Health officials say they are looking into the cases to see if there was any connection. Symptoms of meningitis include sudden high fever, vomiting, fever and sensitivity to light.

Health officials say they have informed the families, classmates and colleagues of the boys, but are still looking for others who may have shared food or drinks or had other contact with the two.

Gupton says anyone who may have come into contact with either of the boys are being offered antibiotics.

One of the 18-year-old's teammates, Jason Davis, said he was questioned by health officials.

Both boys became ill very quickly and health officials say symptoms of the disease do have a tendency to come on very suddenly. From staff reports and wire stories