A third case of viral meningitis has been confirmed in Lawrence public schools, this time affecting a student at West Junior High School.

The ninth-grader plays on the freshman football team at Free State High School, said Julie Boyle, a district spokeswoman.

Monday’s confirmation prompted Myron Melton, West’s principal, to send a note to families reminding everyone to remain vigilant about washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and otherwise employing good hygiene practices.

Symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, sleepiness and nausea. Symptoms typically clear up within two weeks.

But because symptoms often are the same as for bacterial meningitis — an illness considered much more serious because it can lead to disability or death if not treated promptly — anyone with such symptoms is urged to contact a physician promptly.

Viral meningitis was confirmed earlier this month in two other students: a ninth-grader at Southwest Junior High School who also plays freshman football at Free State, and a female student at Free State.