Does the Health Department get reports on people who have viral meningitis?
No. The viruses are very common, especially during summer and early fall, and many people are exposed to them, but few people ever get really sick. Is there any way to avoid getting sick from those viruses? The viruses are pretty common and many people are exposed but it does help to WASH YOUR HANDS! Cleaning surfaces can be helpful, especially in a daycare situation. The CDC has complete information at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/viral_meningitis.htm. What about the more serious one, bacterial meningitis? That’s a whole different ballgame. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by several different kinds of bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. But treatment needs to start early. Even with appropriate antibiotic treatment, about 10-15% of people who get it will die. Is it contagious? Yes, some forms are. Fortunately, it doesn’t spread as easily as a cold or flu. Bacteria don’t live in the air or on surfaces for longer than a few minutes. So just being in the sa
