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September 2nd,
2003
Viral Meningitis
Alert:
An outbreak of
viral meningitis has been identified in Skagit County in the past
week, affecting some members of the Mount Vernon High School football
team and people associated with the team.
What is
viral meningitis?
Meningitis is an illness which causes inflammation of tissues that
cover the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis it the most common
type of meningitis. It is rarely serious or fatal.
What are
the symptoms?
- Sudden onset
of severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea/vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Bright lights
hurting the eyes
- Drowsiness
Illness generally
lasts 7-10 days. Most of those affected in this outbreak have been
ill for 3-4 days. Some have been hospitalized for 1-3 days Incubation-the
time from infection to getting sick-is 3-7 days
How is
it spread?
Viral meningitis is spread through direct contact with nasal or
throat secretions. It can also be spread through the intestines.
Because most
people who become infected do not actually get sick, it can be difficult
to prevent the spread. Those infected, whether sick or not, can
spread the virus to others for about 2-3 weeks beginning 3 days
after infection. Those who do get sick can spread the virus for
about 10 days after symptoms appear.
Viral meningitis
can be spread through:
- shaking hands
- touching something
that was handled by an infected person, then touching your own nose,
mouth or eyes
- sharing food,
drink, lip balm, lipstick, etc.
- kissing
How is viral meningitis treated?
No antibiotics can be given to prevent or treat viral meningitis.
Antibiotics attack bacteria, not viruses. Pain, fever, and anti-nausea
medication can be used to treat symptoms.
How can
I protect myself?
To prevent spread, community members are advised to pay close attention
to everyday hygiene practices, with particular emphasis on:
- Handwashing-thorough
and frequent, especially after using the restroom and before touching
food.
- No sharing
food, drinks, water bottles, chapstick, lipstick, eating utensils
- No kissing
- No holding
hands or shaking hands
- Cover your
mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and wash hands immediately
after
- Clean surfaces,
objects, eating utensils, and hands with bleach and water solution
(1 capful of bleach per gallon of water)
For more information,
see: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/viral_meningitis.htm
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