Meeting on Typhoid Case June 1

Superintendent of Schools Diane Ullman sent out a notice today to inform residents of a meeting at to discuss the recent typhoid case in town.

"Given the recent case of typhoid fever at Squadron Line School we have contacted Rick Matheny, director of health, at the Farmington Valley Health District. Mr. Matheny will present information and answer questions related to typhoid fever today at 5:30 p.m. in the Squadron Line media center. Mr. Matheny will speak about the causes, symptoms and treatment of typhoid fever," said the notice.

Squadron Line Elementary School is located at 44 Squadron Line Road.

School nurses at all seven schools have been monitoring students and there are no additional students presenting the symptoms associated with typhoid fever, the notice went on to say. 

"Therefore, at this point in time we believe this to be an isolated case of the disease," the notice stated.

It was reported Tuesday in a notice sent to parents and guardians thatSquadron Line Elementary School received notification of a physician/hospital-confirmed case of typhoid fever at the school. The diagnosis has not been confirmed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Typhoid fever is rare in the United States with only about 400 cases identified per year and 75 percent of these are acquired through international travel, according to the CDC website. The illness is caused by a bacterium that is most often spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Although typhoid fever is a serious illness, it is treatable with early medical intervention.

In this case, the individual is making a good recovery.

Symptoms usually include sustained high fevers. Persons with typhoid fever may also feel weak, or have stomach pains, headache, and a loss of appetite. In some cases, patients may also have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. If your child develops these symptoms, contact your physician.  

The Farmington Valley Health District services 10 towns in the Farmington Valley.  One of the roles of the FVHD is to provide the public with complete and current information about routine and emerging public health issues.

Any parents or staff interested in receiving additional information about this disease are invited to attend this evening’s presentation.

For more information go to the Center for Disease Control link http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/typhoid_fever/ and contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns.