Viral meningitis outbreak reported in Gainesville

Tuesday, June 3, 2003

Associated Press

GAINESVILLE — A viral meningitis outbreak that started in an elementary school has infected nine children, the Alachua County Health Department said Monday.

The outbreak started at Williams Elementary School among three kindergarten students, said health department director Tom Belcuore. From there, it branched to three students at two other schools, then to three children related to the original three victims.

Early test results indicate that none of the reported cases involves the more serious bacterial meningitis, which can result in death or brain damage if left untreated.

Meningitis causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Seventy percent of all viral meningitis cases occur in children under the age of 5. Symptoms include fever and chills, a severe headache and stiff neck, nausea, and a sensitivity to light.

Viral meningitis, though alarming, is usually not serious, and symptoms should disappear within two weeks with no further complications. It's not easily transmitted from one person to the next and good hygiene is the best defense, Belcuore said.