Most of the cases are from the Corporate Area, which includes the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew. Children affected are three and four years of age, according to a report by the Ministry of Health.

To reduce the risk of further spread of the disease, the public is advised to follow the basic rules for good hygiene, specially in handling babies and children, Dr. Deanna Ashley, Director in the Health Promotions and Protection Division of the Ministry advised.

"Most of the children admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the University Hospital had viral illnesses, which showed signs of meningitis," the doctor said.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord and is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is said to be relatively common and far less fatal than bacterial meningitis with symptoms similar to those of the common flu.

By. Prensa-Latina