Media Release

For Immediate Release
November 4, 2003 (Revised)
For more information: Robert Marshall, PhD 222-1017

Viral meningitis reported at several Rhode Island schools; Viral meningitis is generally self-limiting and not "life threatening"

The Rhode Island Department of Health has received reports of viral (aseptic) meningitis from four public high schools, one private daycare center and one college worksite. Aseptic indicates that it is not caused by bacteria.

Each institution has only one or two diagnosed individuals—about what we expect this time of year. "This is typical of sporadic cases that occur almost every year," explains Utpala Bandy, MD MPH, Medical Director for Communicable Diseases. "This is not the same disease as the bacterial (meningococcal) meningitis that killed 3 children and sickened several others in 1998". Because they are both called "meningitis," people may confuse the two diseases.

Several of affected schools sent letters home to parents, informing them about the student cases, and concerned parents have been calling the Health Department for more information. The high schools involved include Chariho in Richmond, Toll Gate and Warwick Veterans in Warwick and Shea in Pawtucket. The childcare center is located in Warwick; the college employee works at an academic library. The Health Department has also notified Rhode Island physicians about the situation and to expect calls from concerned parents.

Aseptic meningitis is a benign, self-limiting illness; severe illness and death are uncommon. Typical symptoms are fever, headache, neck stiffness, and vomiting. The treatment is supportive, with fluids and rest and recovery occurs within a week. There is no specific antibiotic or vaccine for this illness. Aseptic meningitis is caused by circulating viruses called enteroviruses that infect children more commonly than adults, typically in the summer and early fall. Approximately 150 cases are reported in RI every year. In an adult with viral meningitis, the causative virus is much more likely to be West Nile Virus.

Enteroviruses are communicable from person to person through the fecal to oral route, through respiratory droplet secretions, and through contaminated environmental objects. Transmission can be prevented by meticulous adherence to basic hygienic practices such as hand washing (after changing diapers, after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating), avoidance of shared utensils, water bottles etc. and disinfection of contaminated surfaces (bathrooms, kitchens, toys, table tops) with a diluted bleach solution.

Aseptic meningitis is a reportable illness. The following table compares the case counts over the last two years.

Reported Case Counts of Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis 2002-2003

Source: RI Department of Health

For more information on viral meningitis please see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/viral_meningitis.htm