Kindergartner In Critical Condition, Meningitis Likely

A Clarkston, Wash., kindergarten student was in critical condition Friday with a possible case of meningococcal meningitis, the same form that killed an Idaho boy last year.

Five-year-old Latisha Black was being treated at Sacred Heart Medical Center, where doctors were awaiting the results of tests to confirm whether the girl has the disease, nursing supervisor David Kellogg said.

Parents of the girl’s classmates at Highland Elementary were notified about her illness.

Dr. Timothy Moody, Asotin County public health director, said the disease is bacterial and spread only by close contact.

The girl has exhibited symptoms of the disease, including an extremely high fever and rash, Moody said.

Meningitis claimed the life of 15-year-old Andy Moore of Weippe, Idaho, a year ago, and caused University of Idaho student Erin Nelson to have her lower legs amputated.

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