KENNEBUNK — A student in Regional School unit 21, covering Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel, has viral meningitis.

Superintendent Katie Hawes wrote a letter to parents Monday confirming a student in the school district had viral meningitis.

According to the Center for Disease Control, viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis, an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is often less serious than bacterial meningitis, and most people get better without treatement, according to the CDC.

Howerver, the CDC recommends that anyone with meningitis symptoms go see a doctor, as only a doctor can determine if a person has meningitis, what type of meningitis a person has and the best treatment.

Common symptoms of viral meningitis in babies are fever, irritability, poor eating, sleepiness and a lack of energy, according to the CDC. Common symptoms in adults are fever, head ache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and lack of energy.

To help lower chances of catching viral meningitis, the CDC recomends washing hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers or blowing your nose; avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with those who are sick, sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve instead of you hand and stay home when you are sick.

—  Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.