Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS - Health officials say the two recent cases of meningitis in North Manchester are unrelated and do not indicate an outbreak of the disease.
One of the cases was confirmed as bacterial meningitis and another as a probable case of viral meningitis. Health officials say these cases are not related, either in the individuals involved or in the type of meningitis.
A previous case of bacterial meningitis in August in North Manchester also is unrelated, health officials said.
Meningitis is an illness in which there is inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria, which can then lead to bacterial meningitis. Viral or aseptic meningitis, which is the most common type, is caused by an infection with one of several types of viruses.
State health officials say the symptoms of bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis are often the same. The more common symptoms are: high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, bright lights hurting the eyes, drowsiness or confusion; nausea and vomiting can also be seen in conjunction with the above symptoms.
"Bacterial meningitis, like the meningitis caused by meningococcal disease, can be very serious and result in disability or death," said state epidemiologist Robert Teclaw, D.V.M. "Anyone who thinks they or their child has meningitis should see a physician as soon as possible."
Teclaw said meningococcal disease occurs every year in Indiana. So far this year, there have been 44 confirmed cases statewide, compared with 31 cases in 2002 and 47 cases in 2001.
Health officials report that the meningococcal bacteria is spread from person to person by direct contact with an infected person's nose or throat secretions. This can be caused by coughing or sneezing in someone's face, by kissing a person on the mouth or by sharing eating utensils or drinking containers.
The meningococcal bacteria can live in the membranes of the nose and throat of a person with no symptoms. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of the population carries the bacteria at any given time but never becomes ill. In a small number of people, the bacteria passes to the blood, causing either a serious infection of the blood or meningitis.
Teclaw said people who have had close contact with an individual diagnosed with bacterial meningitis need to take antibiotics and watch for any signs of the disease. Close contacts are people who live with the person with the infection, people who have kissed the infected person on the mouth and people who have shared drinks or eating utensils with the infected person.
"Viral (aseptic) meningitis, on the other hand, is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems," said Teclaw. "Usually, the symptoms last from 7 to 10 days and the person recovers completely."
According to Teclaw, no specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time. Most patients recover completely on their own, and doctors often will recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids and medicine to relieve fever and headache.
Health officials recommend good hygiene to prevent illness, including: covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, throwing away used tissues, washing hands thoroughly and often and not sharing eating utensils or drinking container.
