A suspected meningitis outbreak in Braşov, Romania has resulted in 18 hospital admissions and one death, according to a News.ro report (computer translated).
The patients, classmates with a 17-year-old student from Tarlungeni commune who died recently after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, have symptoms resembling meningitis.
Some 200 additional students are being seen for consultations at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Braşov.
Building disinfection was done at the Forestry High School in Braşov.
The student who died attended an Ascension Day party in Purcara, after which he became ill.
Meningitis is a medical condition that is caused by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It often affects children and young adults, although persons of any age can become infected. A small number of people with this infection will have a serious illness.
Meningitis is a communicable disease. It requires direct or extended contact with the saliva, nasal and throat secretions of infected persons. After exposure, symptoms may be seen within 2-10 days.
The most common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, and stiff neck. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or eyes being more sensitive to light, altered mental state or confusion.
