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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Fact Finder is investigating a recent cluster of viral meningitis.  Four possible infections have been reported to the Macon County Health Department.  Two of the cases are confirmed viral meningitis and the other two are awaiting test results. 

All four patients are children and are not related.

Is it believed that these are all connected?

“We're still trying to investigate that.  We have identified four that are ill and still have not found any common source where they might have gotten it,” said Cindy Malloy, R.N.

Viral infections are more common than the bacterial strain of the disease but should still be taken seriously.

“It’s serious, most people recover fully within two weeks.  In rare cases people do die from it and those are the people who are immunocompromised, they aren’t healthy to begin with,” said Cindy Malloy, R.N.

There is no vaccine for viral meningitis or a cure. You simply treat the symptoms.

Some symptoms are common however others are easier to notice.  Those include a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, a lack of appetite, and sleepiness or trouble waking up.

Those symptoms usually last less than two weeks and patients completely recover. 

The best way to prevent viral meningitis is to wash your hands often with soap and water, cover your mouth if coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils with others.