Horace W. Porter School Health Room

PO Box 166, Columbia, CT 06237  

Phone (860) 228-9913

Fax (860) 228-8592

 

Parent Information Letter: Viral Meningitis

 

Note: Viral meningitis is different from Bacterial Meningitis which is more serious.  In either case your child should be closely monitored by their physcian

What parents must do

 

Please don’t panic. Most cases are isolated, and people who have contact with an infected person may have no symptoms, or mild symptoms such as a cold or rash with a low-grade fever. Monitor your child for symptoms.  Keep your child home if he/she has any symptoms and call your physician.  There is no treatment other than supportive care (rest, fluids, pain relievers). 

 

What are the symptoms of Viral Meningitits?

 

Fever, headache (usually severe), nausea, loss of appetite, stiff neck (pain or discomfort when trying to touch the chin to the chest), irritability, photophobia (discomfort when looking into bright lights), confusion, drowsiness, seizures, coma

 

How is it spread?

 

Direct contact with respiratory secretions

 

How to you control it?

 

Hand-washing, coughing and sneezing into elbow, proper disposal of tissues, avoid touching face with hands.

 

If you have further questions, please contact your physician, or call the school nurses at 228-9913. 

 

Fayne Sears RN, MA

Peggy Stickel RN, MS