Albertans reminded to take precautions against spread of Viral Meningitis

EDMONTON - An increased number of Viral Meningitis cases in the Edmonton-area over the past few months is prompting Alberta Health Services to remind Albertans, and particularly those between the ages of 10 and 30, to take some basic precautions to prevent the spread of illness.

“Although Viral Meningitis is usually more common in children under the age of one year, we’ve seen an increased number of cases reported in the 10 to 30 year old age group this year,” says AHS Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Gerry Predy. “Quite a few of these cases seem to be associated with hockey teams, tournaments, school trips and athletic/recreational facilities, where sharing of items that have had contact with saliva may be more common.”

Since April of this year, more than 90 cases have been reported to Public Health officials, about half of them in the Edmonton-area. To date none of these cases has resulted in death. It’s important to note that while there is a vaccine to prevent common types of Bacterial Meningitis – the more serious form of the infection – there is no vaccine that protects against Viral Meningitis.

To prevent spread of illness, all Albertans are encouraged to:

• Avoid sharing water bottles, soft drinks, lipstick, cigarettes and other items that can transfer germs from one person to another.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and especially before eating.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. If you use a tissue, discard it immediately and wash your hands with soap & warm water.
• Clean the surfaces of gym equipment before and after using it.
• Clean common household surfaces regularly, especially when someone in the household is ill.

Viral Meningitis can be caused by many different viruses; however, the most recent cases appear to be caused by an Enterovirus. Enteroviruses are most commonly spread by direct contact with the stool or respiratory secretions of an infected person. It takes between three to seven days from the time a person is infected until symptoms will begin to show. An infected person can spread the virus to others beginning about three days after becoming infected and until their symptoms go away.

Symptoms of Viral Meningitis can include fever, dry cough, headache, body aches, weakness, tiredness and rash. These symptoms – which usually last seven to 10 days – may progress to include severe headache and mild neck stiffness. While this illness can result in hospital admission for two to four days, the vast majority of cases do not result in serious illness or death.

Although there is no specific treatment for Viral Meningitis, because symptoms are similar to Bacterial Meningitis, it’s important for individuals to be assessed by a health care professional if serious symptoms develop. For more information on Viral Meningitis, call HealthLink Alberta 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 403-943-LINK (5465), 780-408-LINK (5465), or, outside the local calling area, toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.