Boulder City-area schools find four viral meningitis cases

Art Nadler

Friday, Sept. 4, 1998 | 2:35 a.m.

Four cases of viral meningitis have been reported among school-age children in the Boulder City area, the Clark County Health District reported today.

June Constantino, an investigator with the district, said that the students infected were between the ages of 8 and 14.

The virus is usually a secondary condition arising from a previous respiratory condition, Constantino said.

Symptoms include fever, headaches, stiffness of the neck, vomiting, nausea and possibly a skin rash.

Constantino said it is not fatal and can be avoided by maintaining proper hygiene -- such as washing hands, avoiding kissing people and being aware of people coughing and sneezing.

Three cases were reported in the Martha P. King Elementary School, according to Clark County School District Spokesman Ray Willis.

"It's rarely if ever fatal," Willis said. "It's more of a health nuisance. It's not a major situation."

Willis said notices have been sent to parents.

Constantino said the symptoms usually last a week. She encourages parents to take their children to their family physician for treatment.

The early spring and fall are seasons when viral meningitis cases increase, Constantino said. This usually relates to the flu and cold season.

Sun staff writer Ben Grove contributed to this story.