3 Possible Meningitis Cases in Sweden After Japan Scout Jamboree

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, a stiff neck, vomiting and severe headaches. Swedish health officials have reported that three possible cases of meningitis have been detected among Swedes who attended a recent scout jamboree in Japan, and urged all the 1,900 Swedish participants to consult a doctor.

The Swedish Public Health Agency said, "Sweden currently has one very probable case and two (cases) are being investigated." Some 1,900 Swedes, most of them teens aged 14 to 17 years, took part in an annual scout jamboree in Japan from July 28 to August 8, 2015. The health agency urged them to visit a doctor to get antibiotics to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.

The health agency said, "Several European participants have displayed symptoms similar to that of meningitis, and three cases have been confirmed in Scotland."

Source: AFP