PARKER, Colo. -- Some Douglas County parents said they are concerned after a second person in the school district contracted viral meningitis in just over one week.

An 8-year-old boy who attended Legacy Point Elementary School died from the virus.

On Monday, parents received a letter saying that a staff member at Iron Horse Elementary School has the same form of meningitis.

The Tri-County Health Department helped to compose a letter with accurate information about viral meningitis.

Viral meningitis causes inflammation of the membranes around the brain or spinal cord.

Some parents said they appreciated the letter, but are still concerned and would like more information.

"Big concerns, and it's not just me," said parent Renee Burton. "There are tons of parents who are concerned about this."

Medical officials at the Tri-County Health Department said there is no reason for parents to panic. Both the boy and staff member contracted viral meningitis, not bacterial meningitis.

"With bacterial meningitis, which can also be caused by a lot of different kinds of bacteria, you tend to see a more severe illness," said Dr. Tista Ghosh with the Tri-County Health Department. "A lot of times people get hospitalized, whereas with viral meningitis, people usually recover on their own."

While two cases occurred in the same school district within about a week, doctors said the cases are unrelated.

"There are seasons for viral meningitis and this happens to be one of them," Ghosh said.

Some parents said they are still concerned and have other questions.

"I want to know if the person was in the school prior to being diagnosed and how long they were in the school," Burton said. "I have children in the school and I need to know. I have a child who is now coughing at night."

Tri-County Health said only parents with children who have compromised immune systems, such as children taking cancer medications or steroids for asthma, should be concerned.

Officials said while the death of the 8-year-old boy is tragic, it is extremely rare that viral meningitis would kill a person.

Meningitis comes from mucus or saliva. Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent meningitis. Health officials said people should avoid sharing drinks or food with someone who is possibly sick.