By Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter 
Baugh
THE MINISTRY of Health is asking parents and guardians to be vigilant in caring for their children's health following reports that within the last two months 120 youngsters have been admitted to hospitals with viral meningitis.
Viral meningitis is usually contracted through faeces, the health ministry said. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, meningitis is an illness in which there is inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Viral (aseptic) meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems, a CDC website indicated.
The health ministry's response follows concerns raised yesterday by Dr. Kenneth Baugh, Opposition spokesman on health, who revealed the cases. There have been no complications or deaths, he said.
The affected children were mostly between ages three and four years and live in Kingston and St. Andrew or Portmore in St. Catherine.
To reduce the risk of the further spreading of the disease, Dr. Deanna Ashley, director in the health promotions and protection division of the ministry advised:
Wash hands before handling food and after
disposing of diapers and faeces.
Ensure all surfaces and toys are properly cleaned using bleach. She said there is no vaccine for viral meningitis.
DECLINE IN IMMUNISATION RATE
Yesterday, Dr. Baugh also warned that the deterioration of immunisation levels means that a "significant body of children ... (between) one and three years old are at risk of sporadic cases as well as epidemics."
There needs to be more analysis to determine whether worsening poverty levels are leading to persons being unable to take care of themselves and their children, Dr. Baugh said.
On Tuesday, public health officials said they are now deeply concerned about a steep decline in the country's immunisation rate against all the major infectious diseases, including poliomyelitis and tuberculosis.
As a result, the health ministry will commence an intensive eight-week 'mop up' immunisation campaign starting next month. The campaign will target 15,000 children, under two years old, who have not been immunised. Vaccinations will be provided free of cost.
