UMd. Tracking Cases Of Viral Meningitis
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- Several cases of viral meningitis are causing concern on campus at the University of Maryland.
Tracey Leong speaks with worried students in College Park.
There have been several confirmed cases of viral meningitis at the University of Maryland. Health officials are now urging students to be proactive in slowing down the spread of the disease.
For most college students, they're worrying about their studies, not a viral meningitis outbreak.
"Definitely a scary thing," said Jeremy Fialkow, UMd. student.
While this is a cause for concern, health officials want students to know it's viral--not bacterial--meningitis, which is less dangerous.
Symptoms for viral meningitis are similar to the flu, including severe headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, neck stiffness and dehydration.
The infection can be spread through direct contact with mucus, saliva or stool.
"It worries me that it's so close. I definitely don't want to be one of the people that comes down with it," said Jay Fitzgerald, UMd. student.
While anyone can be at risk, some students in the Greek community are more anxious.
"Greek life is a very communal thing, so a lot of fraternities and sororities are getting along, having socials together. So it's definitely not a surprise that it's spreading throughout the Greek life," Fialkow said.
Students are not taking this lightly, heeding all precautionary measures.
"Yesterday, I went to Wegmans and bought bleach and hand sanitizer and a bunch of cleaning supplies and I'm sanitizing everything," UMd. student Christina Dailey said.
"Not sharing any drinks or food or anything and washing our hands. We actually sanitized our room and everything," said Olivia Reed, UMd. student.
Symptoms for the illness can last for about ten days. While there's no specific cure, plenty of fluids and bed-rest are recommended.
Bacterial meningitis is a much more serious form of the virus.
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