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The Waukesha Co. Health Dept. is on high alert now that a case of bacterial meningitis has been reported in the county. Today's TMJ4 spoke to a mother who knows all too well how deadly this disease can be.

Dee Dee Werner lost her daughter to meningitis. Five years ago, 20-year-old Becky Werner woke up feeling ill. Dee Dee rushed her daughter to the hospital. "We probably got there around 6:30 or so and by nine o'clock that night she was gone," she told reporter Shelley Walcott. "It happens that fast."

Becky Werner was the only person in the state of Wisconsin to die of meningitis in 2004. Now her parents have devoted their lives to educating others. They give regular lectures, warning others how to stay safe. "You can't share your stuff, just don't share your stuff. Meningitis is passed through saliva, so it's passed sharing your food, lipstick, kissing, cigarette smoke."

The Werners also urge parents to get their kids meningitis vaccines. Dee Dee hopes this latest meningitis scare at Arrowhead High School will help raise awareness so no other parents will have to lose their child to a preventable disease.

"The pain is still there, even after 5 years and it's never going to go away. Nobody should have to bury their children."

The Becky Werner Meningitis Foundation will be hosting a 5k walk on Saturday, April 25th to raise awareness about the dangers of meningitis. More information is available on the foundation's website at www.stampoutmeningitis.com