08/19/2026
🧠 BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
What Every Texas Parent & Family Should Know
A message from the Shepherd ISD Clinics
2026–2027 School Year
⚠️ Bacterial meningitis can become life-threatening very quickly.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord. It is uncommon, but it can cause permanent disability or death if it is not recognized and treated promptly.
🚨 KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Symptoms can develop quickly and may include:
Fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty waking
Seizures
A dark purple or unusual rash, particularly with meningococcal bloodstream infection
Babies and young children may show different symptoms.
They may be unusually irritable or sleepy, feed poorly, vomit, or have a bulging soft spot on the head.
🆘 SEEK MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY
If your child develops symptoms that could indicate meningitis, do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly, and early treatment is critical.
🔬 HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED?
A healthcare provider evaluates the child's symptoms and may order laboratory testing.
Depending on the suspected bacteria, testing can include blood tests/cultures and testing of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture. Laboratory testing can help identify the bacteria causing the infection and guide treatment.
🦠 HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Different bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, so the way they spread can vary.
Meningococcal bacteria, one important cause of bacterial meningitis, can spread through respiratory and throat secretions during close or lengthy contact with an infected person or carrier.
Good health practices can help reduce the spread of infection:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Avoid sharing drinks, eating utensils, or other items that may be contaminated with saliva.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
👶🧒👦 WHO IS AT RISK?
Anyone can develop bacterial meningitis, including children and adults.
Risk varies by the type of bacteria and age group. Some causes are more common among babies and young children, while teens and young adults have increased risk for certain types, including meningococcal disease.
For families with children in both elementary and secondary school, it is important to follow each child's age-appropriate vaccination schedule.
💉 VACCINATION CAN HELP PREVENT SOME TYPES
Vaccines are available to protect against several bacteria that can cause meningitis, including:
Meningococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent certain types of bacterial meningitis.
Texas school requirement
Under current Texas school immunization requirements, one dose of meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine is required for students in grades 7–12, generally administered on or after the student's 11th birthday, with applicable exceptions and exemptions.
Please check your child's immunization record with their healthcare provider or school clinic to make sure vaccinations are current.
💊 CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE TREATED?
Yes. Bacterial meningitis requires urgent medical treatment.
Healthcare providers treat bacterial meningitis with antibiotics. When meningococcal disease is suspected, antibiotics should be started promptly because the illness can cause severe complications or death.
Even with treatment, some people who survive meningococcal disease can experience long-term complications such as hearing loss, brain or nervous-system problems, loss of limbs, or other disabilities.
❤️ WHEN IN DOUBT, GET HELP
A headache or fever does not necessarily mean meningitis. Many common illnesses cause similar symptoms. However, because bacterial meningitis can worsen rapidly, symptoms that raise concern for meningitis require prompt medical evaluation.
If you believe your child may have meningitis, seek emergency medical care.
Questions or concerns?
Shepherd ISD CLINICs
📍 1401 S. Byrd Ave. Shepherd Tx 77371
📞 936-628-3371 or 936-628-3302
📧 [email protected] or [email protected]
For additional Texas meningitis and immunization information, visit the
Texas Department of State Health Services — Bacterial Meningitis & Immunization Resources
This educational flyer is provided in accordance with Texas Education Code §38.0025.
