Authorities are being vigilant to diagnose people and rule out bacterial meningitis, which kills 5 percent to 20 percent of victims and can cause brain damage in survivors.

"We don't want to miss a case of bacterial meningitis," said Dr. James Wilde of the Medical College of Georgia. "If we have a case early in the process, we can begin treatment in the hopes of increasing survivability."

Viral meningitis inflames the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is common in summer and lasts about 10 days with symptoms that include fever, headache and sensitivity to light.

Because the virus is spread by contact with an infected person's saliva or nasal mucus, health officials have been promoting hygiene in schools.

"Because this has been an explosive epidemic, because it's been so contagious, we're keeping our fingers crossed that once school gets out it will burn itself out," Wilde said.

On the Net:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/viral–meningitis.htm