CA: Viral meningitis outbreaks

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.redding.com/news/2009/jun/19/health-officials-report-outbreak-viral-meningitis/


Health officials report outbreak of viral meningitis

By Record Searchlight staff
Originally published 11:13 a.m., June 19, 2009
Updated 11:13 a.m., June 19, 2009

Due to an outbreak of viral meningitis, Shasta County Public Health officials said today they are concerned over an outbreak of viral meningitis.

Twelve cases of viral meningitis have been reported so far in June and another 12 were reported in May. Since January, 41 cases have been reported countywide, public health officials said today.

?This is unusual, as Shasta County has averaged less than 15 annual cases during the period of 2000-2008,? according to a press release issued today by public health.

Public health officials urged people with meningitis symptoms to visit their doctor.

?Viral meningitis is not the same as bacterial meningitis, which is a very serious illness requiring immediate medical treatment. However, the two diseases often have similar initial symptoms, so people with these symptoms should contact their doctor right away (especially for infants),? the press release says.

?Symptoms of viral meningitis include: sudden headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion and sensitivity to bright light. Infants may be irritable, refuse to eat and be unusually sleepy,? the release says.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: CA: Viral meningitis outbreaks

Source: http://auburnjournal.com/detail/118...rder_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=

7/8/09 |
Auburn day camper diagnosed with meningitis (Placer County)

Auburn Recreation District officials warned parents that a day camper was diagnosed with viral meningitis Wednesday.

The 6-year-old boy was in the youth Discovery Club and Day Camp at Recreation Park Monday and his mother called ARD staff Wednesday morning to alert them of his medical condition, according to Kahl Muscott, Auburn Recreation District administrator.

Muscott said staff immediately posted an advisory at the site and passed out informational fliers to parents. The fliers informed them of the child?s diagnosis and symptoms to watch for.

Muscott added that it is normal procedure to disinfect rooms and toys at the end of every day. He said staff was taking extra measures Wednesday evening.

The boy did not swim on Monday. Muscott said campers were playing in the park that day and groups were intermixed.

According to KidsHealth.org, viral meningitis is ?relatively? common but less serious than bacterial meningitis. When diagnosed quickly, it can be easily treated, according to information on the site. Most cases of viral meningitis resolve within seven to 10 days without treatment or complications, according to KidsHealth.org.

Symptoms are similar to those of the flu and common cold and include fever, lethargy, irritability, headache, eye sensitivity to light, stiff neck, skin rashes and seizures.

Muscott said more information will be posted on the recreation district?s Web site, auburnrec.com, Thursday. He added that staff will be addressing the issue Thursday morning with parents as they drop off their children.

~ Jenifer Gee