The Madisonville School District is confirming that a seven-year old student has a confirmed case of meningitis but they have not yet determined the strain that is afflicting the child. Madisonville School Supt. Keith Smith says it appears the illness has spread to the other students. The child was taken to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for treatment. Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord and has different causes, including bacteria, viruses, and physical injury.