A meningitis question...

[kakies]

There has been a meningitis outbreak down here this summer. It is the viral kind so we aren't *that* worried. They are expecting about 6 new cases per day. My question is: what should we avoid? DH is off of work this week and we had been planning to have some family fun out at the zoo, bowling, some beach and/or pool water splashing. The girls are 2.7yo and 5mo.

Should we change our plans because of this? I especially want to know if we can catch meningitis in a pool or the beach. I have been hearing all kinds of stories lately so I don't know what to believe.

[Katana]

I'm not sure anyone can pinpoint exactly how it is passed or places to avoid.

My suggestion would be to make sure your girls are getting adaquate sleep, avoiding lots of sugar and other food stimulants, and that they are outside, and getting fresh air.

It's when people are run down and overtaxed and overtired that this seems to become a problem.

[thepeach80]

I would stay away from places where there are a lot of people in an enclosed space. AJ had this at 4 mos and we're still not sure where he 'picked' it up since I think the incubation period is like 1-3 wks. That could be anywhere! That was what the DR said, this website says symptoms normally in 1 wk which means he could've picked it up on the airplane going on vacation? Here's what I found:

Enteroviruses, the most common cause of viral meningitis, are most often spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus). This usually happens by shaking hands with an infected person or touching something they have handled, and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes. The virus can also be found in the stool of persons who are infected. The virus is spread through this route mainly among small children who are not yet toilet trained. It can also be spread this way to adults changing the diapers of an infected infant. The incubation period is usually between 3 and 7 days from the time you are infected until you develop symptoms. You can usually spread the virus to someone else beginning about 3 days after you are infected until about 10 days after you develop symptoms.

http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/926914847.html

[kakies]

Alison74- well rested, no sugars & fresh air- got it, thanks!

thepeach80- (about the stool of an infected person)... so if a child poops in the beach or in the pool I guess we could get infected, right? But what if we don't come in contact with the stool itself... would we catch it thru the water???

[thepeach80]

I wouldn't worry so much about the pool b/c of the chemicals though some moms stay away from public pools entirely. The person would have to be infected though and I'm sure there's a limitation of time, it won't be contagious forever I wouldn't think. I think it's mostly passed that way by adults. They change baby's diaper and get some on them unknowingly, don't sanitize hands afterward and touch other people. It's the same way hep A is spread. I would hope if a parent knows their child is infected w/ something like that, they'd stay away from other kids. AJ came in slight contact w/ children before he showed symptoms and I called the mom right away! None of her kids came down w/ anything.