Meningitis Cases in Fairfax Update

Updated Statement on Fairfax County Meningitis Cases

June 28, 2004

The Fairfax County Health Department continues to collaborate with the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its investigation of viral meningitis cases in the county.

The Health Department has an established surveillance method for detecting disease patterns presenting to emergency rooms in the county. This data, along with information obtained from individuals who have called to self-report illnesses suggestive of viral meningitis, have resulted in 20 investigations to date. Of these, six have been identified as probable viral meningitis based on clinical and laboratory criteria.

Data from the CDC indicate that it would not be unusual for Fairfax County to have about 120 cases per year, with peak cases occurring between June and October. Therefore, it is likely there will be more cases in the county during this season. Currently, other urban areas around the country are experiencing similar illness activity. In addition, the Health Department is aware of two areas in Virginia that experienced groupings of viral meningitis during this same period last year.

Viral meningitis is an infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a number of viruses that cause a range of illness severity. People who come in contact with one of these viruses often have no symptoms or develop a cold or rash with low-grade fever. Typically, fewer than 1 out of every 1,000 persons infected with one of the viruses actually develop viral meningitis.

Symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, possibly a rash and sensitivity to bright light. No specific treatment exists for viral meningitis, and no preventive medications need to be taken by individuals who have had close contact with known viral meningitis cases.

Meningitis also can be caused by bacteria. Bacterial meningitis often has the same symptoms as viral meningitis, but is a more serious condition that can be treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, prevented with vaccine.

As with most contagious illnesses, one of the most efficient ways to prevent the spread of these viruses and other germs is to wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, and avoid sharing eating utensils, lip balm, lipstick, water bottles and other personal items. Parents and concerned residents should seek medical evaluation if any symptoms develop. For more information, call the Health Department at 703-246-2411.

June 22, 2004
2 p.m. EST

Due to recent publicity surrounding three confirmed cases of viral meningitis in the county, the Fairfax County Health Department has been receiving an increased number of self-reports of current, recent and past viral illnesses from county residents and visitors. The Health Department is following up on all reports received. The publicity comes after a 16-year-old Chantilly High School student died June 17 from viral meningitis. Another 16-year-old Chantilly student, and an Armstrong Elementary School teacher, have been hospitalized since then with viral meningitis and are improving.

This morning the Health Department received a report of a 15-year-old Chantilly High School student who was hospitalized last night with mild symptoms of stiff neck and headache. Preliminary tests do not suggest meningitis and the patient is recovering. The patient denies any physical contact with the two other known cases at Chantilly High School.

Meningitis, an infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness - and the treatment - differ. Unlike bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, which is the most common type, is less severe and is rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Bacterial meningitis is treatable with antibiotics, however, no specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time and the Health Department does not recommend any preventive treatments for people who may have had close contact with the known cases.

Viral meningitis can be caused by a number of viruses and the manner in which the virus is spread depends on the type of virus involved. "It is not unusual to see several cases of viral meningitis at this time of the year. The most common cause of viral meningitis is a group of viruses known as enteroviruses and increases in the number of illnesses occur mostly in summer and fall," said Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., Fairfax County health director.

These viruses are spread by direct contact with secretions (saliva, sputum or nasal mucus) of an infected person. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. Viral meningitis is not spread through food. The more common symptoms of viral meningitis include severe headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea and vomiting, possibly a rash, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to bright light). The incubation period is usually between 3 and 7 days from the time of infection until symptoms develop.

The best way to prevent the spread of viral meningitis is to not share eating utensils, lip balm, lipstick, water bottles and other personal items; and to wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Health officials want to stress frequent hand washing because it is one of the most efficient ways to help prevent the spread of many communicable diseases. Parents and concerned residents should seek medical evaluation if any symptoms develop. For more information, call the Health Department's information line at 703-246-2411.

June 21, 2004
3:00 p.m. EST

Since June 18, the Fairfax County Health Department has been investigating three cases of viral meningitis in two Chantilly High School students and an Armstrong Elementary School teacher. Unfortunately one of the students died after a four-day hospitalization. The other two remain hospitalized in stable condition and are improving. There does not appear to be any connection between the Armstrong Elementary School case and the Chantilly High School cases.

Meningitis, an infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness - and the treatment - differ. Unlike bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, which is the most common type, is less severe and is rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Bacterial meningitis is treatable with antibiotics, however, no specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time and the Health Department does not recommend any preventive treatments for people who may have had close contact with the known cases.

Viral meningitis can be caused by a number of viruses and the manner in which the virus is spread depends on the type of virus involved. "It is not unusual to see several cases of viral meningitis at this time of the year. The most common cause of viral meningitis is a group of viruses known as enteroviruses and increases in the number of illnesses occur mostly in summer and fall," said Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., Fairfax County health director.

These viruses are spread by direct contact with secretions (saliva, sputum or nasal mucus) of an infected person. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. Viral meningitis is not spread through food. The more common symptoms of viral meningitis include severe headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea and vomiting, possibly a rash, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to bright light). The incubation period is usually between 3 and 7 days from the time of infection until symptoms develop.

The best way to prevent the spread of viral meningitis is to not share eating utensils, lip balm, lipstick, water bottles and other personal items; and to wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Health officials want to stress frequent hand washing because it is one of the most efficient ways to help prevent the spread of many communicable diseases. Parents and concerned residents should seek medical evaluation if any symptoms develop. For more information, call the Health Department's information line at 703-246-2411.

Preliminary information about the 12-year old boy who lived in the Chantilly area and died suddenly Thursday indicates a non-infectious cause of death. The autopsy is being done by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

June 20, 2004
6:00 p.m. EST

The Fairfax County Health Department continues to follow closely the cases of viral meningitis in the County.

A 16-year old Chantilly high school student died Thursday after a four-day hospitalization for viral meningitis. Another 16-year old Chantilly student currently hospitalized for viral meningitis is in stable condition and improving. Laboratory findings and impressions of the treating physicians in both cases support a viral cause.

An Armstrong Elementary schoolteacher is also hospitalized with viral meningitis. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest any connection with the Chantilly cases.

Meningitis, an infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Viral meningitis, the most common type, is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. The virus is spread by direct contact with secretions (saliva, sputum or nasal mucus) of an infected person. This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. The more common symptoms of viral meningitis include severe headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea and vomiting, possibly a rash, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to bright light).

"It is not unusual to see several cases of viral meningitis at the same time of the year. The most common cause of viral meningitis are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses and increases in the number of illnesses occur mostly in summer and fall," said Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., Fairfax County health director.

The best way to prevent the spread of disease is not sharing eating utensils, lip balm, lipstick, water bottles and other personal items, and to wash hands especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Health officials want to stress frequent hand washing because it is one of the most efficient ways to help prevent the spread of many communicable diseases. Parents and concerned residents should seek medical evaluation if any symptoms develop.

The Health Department continues to await the results of a pending autopsy of a 12-year old boy who lived in the Chantilly area and died suddenly Thursday of a non-infectious cause and is unrelated to other investigations. The Health Department will provide updated information to the public as soon as it becomes available through its recorded information line at 703-246-2411 and media updates. Over the weekend, people may leave their questions and contact information at this number.