Five students from a school in Kalamassery, Kerala, have shown symptoms of viral meningitis, prompting health authorities to take immediate action. Their conditions remain stable, and samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha for further testing and confirmation.
Viral meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, is commonly caused by viral infections and primarily affects young children. Unlike bacterial meningitis, it is usually less severe and often resolves without specific medical treatment.
Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. In infants, signs may be subtle, such as irritability or poor feeding. The virus spreads through close contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions or stool.
Health officials emphasize preventive measures like regular handwashing, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected individuals to curb transmission. As there are no specific antiviral treatments, care mainly focuses on symptom relief while the immune system fights the infection.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread and ensure the safety of the affected students and the wider community.
