Viral Meningitis Found At Morris County School

MOUNT OLIVE, NJ — Two Morris County students have been diagnosed with viral meningitis, Mount Olive High School Principal Kevin Stansberry said.

Stansberry said a third diagnosis could be made pending lab testing, but that parents should not be worried. "While this can be upsetting, the chance of your child or you also becoming ill with this disease is very small," Stansberry wrote in a letter to parents.

Viral meningitis, which is different from bacterial meningitis, is typically treated with rest and fever reducing medicine. It usually clears on its own within seven to ten days. Bacterial meningitis is much more severe, and can be deadly if not treated quickly with antibiotics. Both affect the covering of the brain and the spinal cord.

Bacterial meningitis has not been diagnosed in this case.

Symptoms include fever, headache, and tiredness. They can also include nausea, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. (For more information, visit the State Department of Health's frequently asked questions fact sheet.)

There is no specific prevention against viral meningitis, except for general good hygiene.

Stansberry directed questions about the illness to either the student's family doctor or the Mount Olive Department of Health at 973-691-0900 x7330.

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