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THUMB SUPERIOR – Viral meningitis has been confirmed in at least two school districts in the Thumb area.
"Tuscola County had two cases of viral meningitis reported last week, both of which were in children," said Ann Hepfer, Huron County and Tuscola Health Services Director. "They have cured of the disease."
The disease is not unusual.
"It's not uncommon to see cases where kids are back in school and spend time close to each other," Hepfer said.
A student from the Caro School District and a student from the Millington School District contracted the disease. In addition, it was found in the school districts of Frankenmuth and Clio.
"Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, is often less serious than bacterial meningitis, and most people are doing better," said Hepfer. "Babies under one month old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a serious illness due to viral meningitis." Anyone can contract viral meningitis.
"It is spread through close contact with a person with viral meningitis, and many of you are infected with the virus that made you ill," she added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, a person is not likely to develop meningitis because only a small number of people infected with the viruses causing meningitis will actually develop the infection.
The initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is usually serious and can lead to serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, learning difficulties or death.
In babies, symptoms include fever, irritability, poor diet, drowsiness or waking problems, lethargy or lack of energy.
Common symptoms in children and adults include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness or waking, nausea, irritability, vomiting, lack of of appetite and lethargy.
"It is always very important to see a health professional immediately if you think that you or your child may have meningitis," she said. "A doctor will determine if you have the disease and the type of meningitis, as well as the best treatment."
It is important for parents to be aware of the presence of meningitis in schools.
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