2 Cases of Viral Meningitis Reported at Wilton High School

Administrators at Wilton High School sent a letter to parents after two cases of viral meningitis were reported at the school, according to Principal Bob O'Donnell.

The letter reminds parents and students to take precautions such as washing hands and covering sneezes to help prevent the spread of infection.

Viral meningitis tends to be less severe than bacterial meningitis and often goes away on its own, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can, however, be severe or fatal, depending on the patient's age and health, the CDC says.

Most cases of viral meningitis cases in the U.S. are caused by enteroviruses, especially during the summer months, according to the CDC, but only a small number of enterovirus patients develop meningitis as a result.

The diagnoses come amid the spread of Enterovirus D68. Connecticut confirmed its first case of Enterovirus D68 on Wednesday, and two state hospital submitted samples to the CDC for testing.

Viral meningitis can also be caused by measles, mumps, herpes, influenza, viruses spread through insects and occasionally the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, which is spread by rodents, the CDC says.

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