The short answer is:  No.

Summit County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Margo Erme says the possible case of meningitis stemming from someone at Dunbar Elementary School in Tallmadge should remind people to observe good health practices, but not frighten anyone.

"We have not been given any information that indicates that there's a case that requires a definitive public health intervention," said Erme.

She's familiar with the precautions taken in Tallmadge because meningitis is one of about 80 diseases that must legally be reported to the health department, even if they're just suspected. 

Erme describes meningitis as the "inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord."  She says blood and cerebral spinal fluid tests are typical ways to make a determination.  Erme says because they involve growing a culture, results usually take a few days.

For some, it can be spread through close contact like in households, then there may be some medications that can be given, but for the general population, there isn't usually a whole lot of risk," said Erme.

She says antibiotic or antiviral medications can effectively treat either form of meningitis.

School officials have closed an elementary school in Tallmadge today after a possible case of meningitis was reported.

Dunbar Elementary School will be closed today after school officials say a student went home sick with a possible case of meningitis.

As a precaution, crews will be cleaning the building today.

Superintendent Jeff Ferguson said school is scheduled to resume tomorrow.