Viral meningitis case confirmed in 11-year-old boy

GALVESTON — The Galveston County Health District on Wednesday confirmed a case of viral meningitis in an 11-yearold boy attending a Santa Fe ISD elementary school.

The case was reported to the health district on Friday and the student at Kubacak Elementary School was released from a local hospital Saturday and is expected to recover, the Health District said.

Letters informing parents were sent home with Kubacak students Monday.

“There is no need for panic, “said Mark Guidry, chief executive officer for the health district. “Viral meningitis is typically less severe than the bacterial form and does not require the treatment of contacts. Instead, parents should monitor for signs and symptoms and seek care if needed.”

As of January 2013, viral meningitis was no longer a reportable condition. Health district statistics show that 25 cases were reported in Galveston County in 2012, 35 in 2011 and 27 in 2010.

Viral meningitis, also known as aseptic meningitis, should not be confused with the more serious bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in healthy people. Symptoms typically last seven to 10 days and consist of headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, increased sleepiness, unresponsiveness, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

The virus is spread through direct contact with nose or throat secretions.

Parents with questions can call the Health District at 409-938-2322. Other information can found at www.cdc.gov/meningitis/viral.htm