A case of Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that causes meningitis, was reported at Scotsboro Junior High School in Scottsboro, Ala., late last week.
A letter from the Madison County Health Department advised parents to be alert for signs of the disease, which include sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion and sometimes a rash.
"If any of these signs or symptoms should develop, the student should be taken immediately to a physician or emergency room to be evaluated for possible meningococcal disease," the letter stated.
The letter also urged parents to make sure children are up-to-date on their vaccines.
Meningitis is a highly contagious disease that is spread to others by contact with respiratory and throat secretions, such as saliva or spit. The disease can be very serious, even life-threatening in 48 hours or less, according to the department of health.