Area student doesn’t have meningitis, does have ‘serious health condition’

An area elementary school student who was being evaluated for a possible case of meningitis is actually suffering from a “serious health condition” that isn’t contagious, officials said Wednesday.

A student at Valley Mills Elementary School is suffering from a "serious health condition" that is not contagious, the Valley Mills Independent School District announced Wednesday.

A day before, the school district notified parents via a letter that the student was being evaluated for a possible case of meningitis.

"We have been notified by the Waco McLennan Public Health District that while the child has a serious health condition, the condition is not contagious," said Valley Mills Superintendent Mike Kelly.

Tuesday, Kelly assured parents the entire campus had been thoroughly cleaned using a hospital-grade disinfectant.

Common symptoms of meningitis include: fever, rash, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, chills muscle and joint pain and abdominal pain, according to the CDC.

Students exhibiting any of these symptoms are asked to seek medical attention.

"Keep this student and family in your thoughts and prayers," said Kelly.