The health ministry last night issued a meningitis alert and confirmed an earlier announcement by Opposition Leader Dr Kenneth Baugh that about 120 cases of the disease had been reported in the last two months.

"Most of the children admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the University Hospital had viral illnesses which showed signs of meningitis," Dr Deanna Ashley, director in the ministry's Health Promotions and Protection Division, said in a news release. "These children were mostly between the ages three and four years."

According to Ashley, the majority of the cases originated in Kingston and St Andrew and the Portmore community in St Catherine and occurred over the period December 2004 to February 2005.

The health ministry alert was triggered by Dr Baugh's statement on the issue in which he advised the Government against covering up the cases.

"If the ministry continues to shroud this in secrecy, then the outbreak could become an epidemic of serious proportions," Dr Baugh warned.

But last night, Dr Ashley said that all the children seen at the Bustamante and University hospitals had recovered satisfactorily. She also encouraged parents and guardians to take the necessary precautions to prevent the infection.

"To reduce the risk of further spread of the disease, the public is advised to follow the basic rules for good hygiene," Dr Ashley said. "Wash hands before handling food and after disposing of diapers and faeces. Ensure all surfaces and toys are properly cleaned, using bleach."

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord. It is usually caused by a virus or bacteria.

According to the health ministry, the type of meningitis detected in this latest outbreak is usually contracted through faeces.

Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria, which has to be controlled by vaccine.

Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis, which may result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disability.

Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, headache and a stiff neck, all of which may develop over a period of up to two days. Additional symptoms include:

. nausea and vomitting;

. discomfort looking into bright lights; as well as

. confusion and sleepiness.

As the infection progresses, seizures may occur.

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