Meningitis Cases Are Downplayed by Doctor

Though the incidence of viral meningitis has almost tripled in Orange County this year, there is no cause for alarm, a medical expert said Thursday.

“My purpose here is to relieve anxiety,” said Dr. David Lang, director of infectious diseases at Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange.

“People hear there is meningitis, and they get worried,” Lang said at a news conference in the hospital lobby. “I don’t want to raise the alarm but diminish it.”

The county Health Care Agency has reported 181 confirmed cases so far this year of the disease, a nervous system infection spread through fecal matter or mucous and marked by pounding headaches, stiff neck and nausea.

At this time last year, there had been only 68 cases, said Dr. Hildy Meyers, medical director of epidemiology for the county.

On Thursday, however, both Meyers and Lang downplayed the significance of the increase, describing it as cyclical and to be expected every few years.

“Most of these infections are very benign,” Lang said. “For the general population of healthy children and adults, they are not serious--generally not fatal and in most cases they don’t cause damage. They are annoying and can cause people to feel bad, but they generally get better.”

Though there is no treatment, Lang said, those suffering from such symptoms should consult a physician for a diagnosis.

“We don’t always know that it’s viral,” he said. “Sometimes it can be something else.”

Lang said symptoms of viral meningitis can sometimes be diminished by drinking extra liquids, taking over-the-counter pain medications and getting lots of rest. In most cases, he said, the disease runs its course in two to five days.

Health officials recommend such preventive measures as good hygiene, including washing hands and not sharing drinking glasses.

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Fast Facts

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. The viral form of the infection is very common and relatively mild, requiring no treatment. Other facts on viral meningitis:

* Symptoms: Influenza-like fever, headache, nausea and vomiting

* Diagnosis: Sample of cerebrospinal fluid is removed from spinal cord and examined

* Outlook: Clears up within two to five days; has no long-term effects

* Prevention: Watch basic hygiene rules, such as washing hands often, avoiding glass sharing and covering mouth when sneezing

Source: Orange County Health Care Agency