Possible Case Of Viral Meningitis Reported At Madison High School

A possible case of viral meningitis has been reported at Madison High School.

Superintendent Michael A. Rossi, Jr. announced the health scare in a letter to the district, which was posted online.

"Viral meningitis can occur throughout the year, but is most common in the summer and fall. People of any age can get viral meningitis, but it is more frequent in children," wrote Rossi in his posted letter. "Getting infected with one of the germs that can cause viral meningitis does not automatically mean a person will get meningitis. In most cases, the germ will simply cause a cold, upset stomach or diarrhea."

Viral meningitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is actually the most common type of meningitis, caused by enteroviruses, mumps, measles, and influenza. It is the less serious version of meningitis. The other version of meningitis, caused by bacteria, can be very dangerous. The virus affects the tissue that covers the brain and the spinal cord, called the meninges, and can cause an afflicted individual to exhibit symptoms like fever, irritability, and lethargy.

Although the virus can be spread from person to person, which is why schools across the nation enforce vaccination requirements, most people's immune systems fight off the virus without any treatment. New Jersey requires vaccination against the other version of meningitis, caused by the Neisseria meningitis bacteria, beginning when a student enters the 6th grade, but viral meningitis is not part of the requisite vaccination schedule for youth. Authorities do promote good hygiene as an effective method of prevention.

Calls to the Madison High School superintendent have not yet been returned.

Image via Madison High School