Viral Meningitis in Georgia

26 May 2014

An outbreak of viral meningitis has been reported in schools and nurseries in Georgia. In the last few weeks, 142 confirmed cases have been recorded, of those, 87 have required admission to hospital for treatment. The remainder of cases are said to have a mild to moderate illness. Schools and nurseries have been closed in order to inspect hygiene standards and parents have been alerted to the symptoms to be aware of.

Georgia usually records around 150 cases of viral meningitis annually, with larger outbreaks every 4 years, as in 2006 and 2010.

Viral meningitis can be caused by a variety of viruses. Enterovirusus like coxsackie and echoviruses are the most common. The viruses responsible for this outbreak are not mentioned in this report.

Advice for Travellers

There is no vaccine available against viral meningitis. The main preventive measure is to maintain a good standard of hygiene.