( CNN ) -- Authorities are investigating six possible cases of bacterial meningitis -- including two deaths -- in rural Oklahoma elementary school students . The Rogers County Health Department and Oklahoma State Department of Health said two children from Oologah-Talala public school district have died from the disease . One of them was an 8-year-old , said Superintendent Rick Thomas . Thomas said school was canceled Friday for the district . `` We just feel like we would rather err on the side of caution , '' he said , although he has urged parents to remain calm . The state health board said it was providing antibiotics to the schools to help prevent the spread of meningococcal disease -- caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis -- which can appear as pneumonia , septicemia or meningitis . Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the meninges , the thin lining that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . A medical team at Oologah Lower Elementary School screened more than 100 people including faculty , CNN affiliate KOTV reported . Authorities said the team is offering antibiotics to other students and faculty in the district , and there is enough medication for about 1,000 people , the affiliate reported . Last year , 16 cases of meningococcal disease were reported in Oklahoma and one person died , the board said . Symptoms of meningococcal disease may appear two to 10 days after infection , but typically within three to four days , the state board said . People ill with meningococcal septicemia may have fever , nausea , vomiting and a rash , it said . Those with meningitis will have fever , intense headache , nausea , vomiting and a stiff neck . `` It is important to seek care from a physician as soon as possible if these symptoms appear , '' the board said . Oologah is about 30 miles northeast of Tulsa .
Students from Oologah-Talala public school district in rural Oklahoma . Authorities are investigating four other possible cases of bacterial meningitis . Medical team may screen students , begin vaccinations , school superintendent says .