An outbreak of viral meningitis has prompted provincial health authorities to remind residents to take precautions against the spread of the disease.
Health officials have detected more than 90 cases of the illness in Alberta since April, with about half occurring in the Capital region.
Viral meningitis is less serious than the bacterial form, for which there is a vaccine. The viral version has no vaccine.
Symptoms include fever, dry cough, headache, body aches, weakness, fatigue and rash. The symptoms usually last seven to 10 days and may progress to severe headache and mild neck stiffness. Illness can result in hospitalization for two to four days but the vast majority of cases don’t result in serious illness or death, said Dr. Gerry Predy, senior medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services.
Viral meningitis is usually more common in children under one but officials have noted an increased number of cases in the 10 to 30 age group.
“Quite a few of these cases seem to be associated with hockey teams, tournaments, school trips and athletic/recreational facilities,” Predy said.
The most recent cases appear to have been caused by an enterovirus, which is most commonly spread by direct contact with the stool or respiratory secretions of an infected person, Predy said.
To prevent the spread of illness, his department recommends that people:
• avoid sharing water bottles, beverages, lipstick and cigarettes;
• wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
• cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow;
• clean surfaces of gym equipment before and after using it;
• clean common household surfaces regularly.
