Lassen County’s Public Health Department is confirming 4 cases of Viral Meningitis in Lassen County. According to Director of Public Health Jessica Jones, the department is working closely with medical providers to ensure prompt identification, reporting and investigation of patients who present with signs and symptoms of Viral Meningitis.
Viral Meningitis is a common disease caused by a virus that infects the brain and spinal cord. It is not the same as bacterial meningitis; it is less severe and most people recover fully within a week.
If you believe you have been exposed to the illness and are experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease, it is important that you do not go to work or school and seek medical treatment.
Viral Meningitis symptoms include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Stiff neck
• Fatigue
Some people may have rash, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting.
Prevention:
Like any illness good personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing. Wash your hands with soap and water; hand sanitizer may not be effective against certain viruses.
Wash your hands; before eating, drinking or preparing food; after using the bathroom or changing diapers; after coughing or sneezing and after touching your nose or mouth.
Do not share drinks, food, eating utensils, lipstick or other items that may have come into contact with someone else’s saliva.
If you are caring for someone with viral meningitis, your chances of getting meningitis are very low, but you should wash your hands frequently and clean surfaces that come in contact with the person’s saliva, nose secretions, or feces with soap and water.
Disinfect items with dilute bleach (1/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water).
Strict Isolation is not required, however people diagnosed with viral meningitis should not return to school or work until the symptoms are gone. If you are sick stay home, this is the best way to not spread any illness.
Jones said that more information will follow as it becomes available.
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