Following an investigation of a single case of bacterial meningitis, the Northeast Colorado Health Department announced Friday that there is no known contagious threat to people in the area. NCHD serves Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties.

Bacterial meningitis is a serious, sometimes deadly, infection caused by one of a number of bacteria, including streptococcus pneumoniae – which is a cause of pneumonia.

The disease can cause permanent disabilities, including brain damage and hearing loss. Symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and confusion.

Anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor or other healthcare provider immediately. The disease is serious, and can cause death within hours. Babies under one month of age and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

According to NCHD, public health agencies monitor and investigate all reported meningitis cases to identify potential outbreaks. The agency has not identified the location of the case it investigated.