Meningitis
Information
Background and Context
On
Tuesday, June 19, 2007, a Greenbrier County 4-H camper
at WVU Jackson Mill was diagnosed with spinal meningitis.
On
Thursday, June 21, 2007, the affected 4-H
camper was released from the hospital.
Meningitis Update to Parents and Guardians of 4-H
Campers.
Meningitis is an illness in which there is inflammation
of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Viral or "aseptic" meningitis, which is the
most common type, is caused by an infection with one
of several types of viruses. Meningitis can also be
caused by infections with several types of bacteria
or fungi. In the United States, there are between 25,000
and 50,000 hospitalizations due to viral meningitis
each year.
Patients with very mild viral meningitis may only
have to spend a few hours in a hospital, while those
who have a more serious infection may be hospitalized
for many more days for supportive care. Patients with
mild cases, which often cause only flu-like symptoms,
may be treated with fluids, bed rest (preferably in
a quiet, dark room), and analgesics for pain and fever.
Viral "Aseptic" Meningitis Resources
Aseptic
Meningitis Fact Sheet (Esta
página en Español)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information
about Aseptic Meningitis
W.Va. Department of Health
and Human Resources
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