Working closely with the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is investigating clusters of viral meningitis in two Manhattan schools (4 students at La Guardia High School, 2 students at Stuyvesant High School).
Viral meningitis is a less severe form of meningitis and is generally not life threatening. DOHMH and DOE are asking parents and students at these schools to be alert for symptoms of viral meningitis, which include fever, headache, and stiff neck. If symptoms appear, the student should be kept home from school and seen by a medical provider. DOHMH has also reminded area medical providers to report cases of meningitis to the Health Department. A review of current surveillance data shows no evidence of a citywide increase in viral meningitis.
DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden said, “While cases of viral meningitis, even in a school setting, are not an immediate cause for alarm, we are investigating all of these illnesses to determine the linkages. Most people exposed to the viruses that cause meningitis do not get seriously ill. Some people may require hospitalization, but they usually recover fully within a few days. As the illness is viral, it is not treatable with antibiotics and there is no vaccine to prevent this strain of meningitis. Frequent and thorough hand washing is an effective way of stopping the spread of these viruses.”
Four individuals became ill with viral meningitis at La Guardia High School between May 2 and May 18. One individual remains hospitalized, but all four individuals have either fully recovered or are doing well. Yesterday, two cases of viral meningitis were reported to DOHMH from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. Both illnesses occurred within the past 10 days. One of the individuals has recovered fully. The other remains hospitalized, but is doing well and is expected to be discharged soon. It is not currently known whether the illnesses in these two schools are connected; viral meningitis tends to increase in the warmer months.