Fort Drum announced Friday that a child on post has been diagnosed with a potentially deadly illness.

Officials said a single case of bacterial meningitis was diagnosed Thursday in a child attending the Po Valley Child Development Center.

The child is currently under medical care.

All parents of those children and staff members exposed to the child are being notified, tested and provided medical treatment as needed.

Anyone with concerns or questions can contact the Army Public Health Nursing Office at 315-772-6404 during normal duty hours or after hours the Guthrie Urgent Care Clinic at 315-772-2778.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.   

Bacterial meningitis can be contagious and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.

Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics.

It is important, however, that treatment be started early in the course of the disease.