(WSBT) Officials at two schools are warning parents about a case of viral meningitis. A student with the illness attends both schools.

The girl's father told WSBT News that her doctor says she contracted a rare form of viral meningitis that is not contagious.

But school officials are asking parents to keep an eye on their children's health as a precaution.

The situation came to light Friday October 12. School officials were contacted by the mother of a student at Central High School — a student who also attends a class at the Elkhart Career Center.

“Our school nurse at [Elkhart] Central received a call from a mother of a student there at Central, and reporting that her daughter was in the hospital and had been diagnosed with viral meningitis,” explained Elkhart Schools Superintendent Mark Mow.

The county health department has been monitoring the situation with the student who has been hospitalized. It says viral meningitis is rare but it happens. It is transmitted several ways.

“Again through bodily secretions, it can be coughs or sneezes, it can be through kissing,” said Peg Ramey, a registered nurse with the Elkhart County Health Department.

There are several symptoms to be on the look out for.

“Persons with a severe headache, high fever with the headache, maybe a little confusion, maybe sensitivity to light, occasionally there’s a little rash that comes along with it. It depends on the virus that happens to be picked up,” said Ramey.

The school system is asking that parents be on the alert should their children exhibit any of these symptoms, and to set up a meeting with their local physician to have it checked out.

“We want parents and students to be safe, not be alarmed, but certainly be aware, and if they have any concerns, to contact their physician as soon as possible,” said Mow.

Health officials say viral meningitis is less serious than bacterial meningitis, which can be deadly.

Symptoms of viral meningitis last any where from seven to ten days, and are usually treated with antibiotics and lots of fluids.