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MACON, MISSOURI -- Press Release from Macon County Health Department

The Macon County Health Department is investigating a cluster of viral meningitis cases. Four possible infections have been reported to the health department in recent days. An epidemiological investigation is underway to determine how the patients became infected.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, but bacteria and fungi can also cause meningitis.

“Viral meningitis is serious, but rarely fatal in people with normal immune systems,” said Judy Rushton, Administrator of the Macon County Health Department. “The symptoms usually last less than two weeks and the patient recovers completely. However, people should contact their health care provider if they think they are infected.”

Symptoms of viral meningitis include:

High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light
Sleepiness or trouble waking up
Nausea or vomiting
Lack of appetite

Viral meningitis is usually diagnosed by testing a patient’s spinal fluid. Because the symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those of bacterial meningitis, which is a more serious disease, it is important for people suspected of having meningitis to seek medical care and have their spinal fluid tested. There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, as antibiotics do not help viral infections. Patients are advised to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and use medicine to relieve fever and headache.

There is no vaccine for viral meningitis like there is for bacterial meningitis, so the best way to prevent the disease is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid contact with people who are sick. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your arm. Finally, avoid kissing or sharing a drinking glass, eating utensil, or other such items with sick people or with others when you are sick.