Wiscasset Middle High School Principal Charles Lomonte on June 13 praised the state’s handling of a student’s confirmed case of meningococcal disease. And he said the school’s thoughts and prayers are with the student and their family for a speedy recovery.

Citing confidentiality, Lomonte’s reply email to Wiscasset Newspaper’s questions said no more about the student or their condition. But Lomonte could answer questions about the school and the state. Maine Center for Disease Control announced the Wiscasset case June 12.

Asked how he felt the state has done handling the matter, Lomonte said it did "an excellent job" corresponding with and guiding the school, through the school nurse. "The information provided by the CDC was comprehensive and assisted the school as we handled the situation."

After the CDC confirmed the case via lab tests, a letter from Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood to parents, students and staff went on the school’s website; and the school made the letter and accompanying guidelines on the disease available to anyone who asked, Lomonte continued.

The school nurse has been on call to answer any questions from parents, and the school counselor and social workers are available for questions or concerns from the students, Lomonte said. 

Wood’s letter notes its point was “simply to keep you informed and to provide information in a setting in which rumors are common and anxiety may be high.”

Wood cites Maine CDC as the letter’s source of facts on the disease: It can cause infections of the lining of the brain, spinal cord, or bloodstream; illness can range from mild to severe; and the bacteria that cause it are less contagious than cold or flu germs and can spread through saliva or spit. “Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria including kissing or sharing food or drinks. Those at an increased risk of getting sick include people in the same household and anyone with direct contact with the patient’s saliva.

“(Maine CDC) is working closely with the student’s family and area doctors to evaluate close contacts and recommend antibiotics as a preventative measure to those at an increased risk. Maine CDC will contact these individuals directly.”

Responding to questions via email Monday, Maine CDC spokesman Jackie Farwell said Maine has had no more confirmed cases since the Wiscasset one.

Asked for the last time Maine had a student younger than college age with meningococcal disease, Farwell said a person between 15 and 24 years old had it in Cumberland County last year.