WASHINGTON — There are confirmed and suspected cases of viral meningitis at the University of Maryland’s College Park campus.
The school’s health center is working with the Prince George’s County Health Department and the state health department to track the cases.
However the virus has spread beyond the initial cluster of cases, prompting the university to release information about the cases campuswide, according to a university statement.
School officials emailed students this week, The Baltimore Sun reports.
“We have reached out to the organizations that are primarily affected with information about the condition and what to do in the event that they are feeling unwell,” says the email from Dr. David McBride, director of the University Health System.
Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis, but it can be more serious depending on someone’s immune system and age.
Symptoms include headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and dehydration.
County health officials recommends that those living on campus should cleaning and wipe down of commonly handled surfaces especially door knobs and handrails.
Students should make sure to wash their hands with soap and water especially after using the restroom or use hand sanitizer is soap and water not available. Students should not share eating utensils, cups or drinks to avoid spreading the virus.
WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP and @WTOPliving on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.
