Doctors at West Virginia University Childrens Hospital in Morgantown say the 4-H camper at Jacksons Mill who was diagnosed with meningitis earlier this week is recovering from her symptoms and was released from the hospital Thursday (June 21) morning.
Clinical evidence confirms viral meningitis,said Dr. Marty Weisse, pediatric infectious disease specialist at WVU .This is the less severe and less contagious form of the condition, which means much less risk of contraction of meningitis to those she came in contact with.
Bacterial meningitis is the more dangerous type.
Dr. Weisse said that viral meningitis does not occur in epidemics and that fellow campers are not at any higher risk of developing the illness than any other person in West Virginia. West Virginia State Epidemiologist Dr. Loretta Haddy agreed and said that viral meningitis is not considered a serious public health risk.
No other campers or staff members have exhibited any signs of meningitis. Dr. Weisse said theres no reason to consider the Jacksons Mill site to be an environment with an increased risk of the illness.
The camper arrived Sunday at the Older Members Conference camp at Jacksons Mill State 4-H camp in Weston. She also spent June 1115 at the Greenbrier County 4-H camp at the Greenbrier County Youth camp in Anthony, said Ann Berry of the WVU Extension Service.
She first reported symptoms of the illness on Tuesday morning. Camp healthcare providers took her to the hospital in Weston, where she was diagnosed with meningitis in the afternoon. She was later transferred to WVU Childrens Hospital in Morgantown.
WVU Extension Service, which runs the 4-H camps, has been in close contact with county health department officials and with infectious disease specialists from the WVU School of Medicine to monitor progress.
Symptoms of meningitis include a combination of stiff neck, severe headache, high fever, nausea and sore throat. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Additional information about meningitis can be found at:www.cdc.gov